Swarajists vs. No-Changers: Strategies and Achievements in India’s Freedom Struggle

The emergence of the Swarajists and No-Changers marked a crucial phase in India’s struggle for independence, reflecting the diverse strategies within the nationalist movement. The Swarajists, led by figures like C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru, advocated for a pragmatic approach, urging entry into legislative councils to expose their deficiencies and use them as platforms for political struggle. On the other hand, the No-Changers, including leaders like C. Rajagopalachari and Vallabhbhai Patel, adhered to a more radical stance, emphasizing the continuation of boycotts, non-cooperation, and quiet preparation for civil disobedience.

The Swarajist Manifesto for Elections

The Swarajists issued a manifesto strongly opposing imperialism, in October 1923. The key points outlined were as follows:

• British Self-Interest: The British administration in India was primarily driven by the self-interests of their nation.
• Facade of Reforms and Continued Exploitation: The purported reforms were merely a facade aimed at advancing British interests, feigning the establishment of a responsible government while perpetuating the exploitation of India’s vast resources, maintaining Indians in a subservient position to Britain.
• Commitment to Self-Government: The Swarajists pledged to advocate the nationalist demand for self-government within the councils.
• Obstruction and Resistance in Councils: In case of rejection, they would pursue a strategy of consistent obstruction within the councils, creating deadlocks on every measure to render governance through councils unattainable.
• Disrupting Governance through Sabotage: The objective was to internally disrupt and sabotage the councils, making them dysfunctional.

Swarajist Activity in Councils

They intended to use non-violent non-cooperation as a means to disrupt and dismantle the structure established by the Government of India Act 1919.

• Swarajists Agenda: The Swarajists took up at the centre three major sets of problems on which they delivered powerful speeches which were fully reported in the Press and followed avidly every morning by the readers. 
• Main Challenges: One was the problem of constitutional advance leading to self-government; second was civil liberties, release of political prisoners, and repeal of repressive laws; and third was the development of indigenous industries. 
• Call for a New Constitution: In the very first session, Motilal Nehru put forward the national demand for the framing of a new constitution, which would transfer real power to India.
• Disruption of Legislative Functioning: The party decided to refuse supplies and throw out the budget to force recognition of their rights. This tactic aimed to disrupt the functioning of the councils and put pressure on the government to address their demands. The government was defeated several times on the question of the repeal of repressive laws and regulations and the release of political prisoners. Lala Lajpat Rai said: “ Revolutions and revolutionary movements are only natural ……there can be no progress in the world without revolutions and revolutionary movements.”
• Opposition of Bureaucracy/Centralised Authority: The Swaraj Party resolved to throw out all proposals for legislative enactments that aimed to consolidate the powers of the bureaucracy. 
  • This was a means to challenge and oppose the government’s efforts to centralize authority and limit democratic participation. 
• Efforts for the Growth of National Politics: The party pledged to move resolutions and introduce supportive measures and bills necessary for the healthy growth of national political life. 
  • This included initiatives that aligned with the constructive program of the Congress, focusing on economic, social, and political reforms. 
• Economic Policy for National Development: The Swaraj Party aimed to follow a definite economic policy that would prevent the drain of public wealth from India. 
  • They sought to check activities leading to exploitation and promote national economic, industrial, and commercial interests.
• Protection of Labor Rights and Social Justice: The party aimed to protect the rights of labour in agriculture and industry. They also emphasized the need to adjust the relations between landlords and tenants, as well as capitalists and workers. 
  • This indicated their commitment to addressing social and economic Inequalities and ensuring justice for various sections of society.

By pursuing these objectives within the council chambers, the Swaraj Party aimed to challenge the existing constitutional framework and push for greater autonomy and self-governance in India.

Achievements

1. Electoral Success

• Success in Elections: The Swarajists faced a challenging task as they prepared for the elections with limited time and a narrow franchise, covering only about 6.2 million individuals, or less than three percent of the population. 
  • Despite these constraints, they achieved notable success, winning 42 out of 101 elected seats in the Central Legislative Assembly and securing a clear majority in the Central Provinces. 
• Electoral Strength: Additionally, they emerged as the largest party in Bengal and performed well in Bombay and U.P., though facing challenges in Madras and Punjab due to strong casteist and communal currents.
• Strategic Alliances: In the Central Legislative Assembly, the Swarajists forged alliances with Independents led by M.A. Jinnah, Liberals, and individuals like Madan Mohan Malaviya. 
  • They replicated similar coalitions in various provinces and aimed to challenge the government at every turn. 
• Limitations of Reformed Councils: The legislatures, reformed in 1919, had a semblance of power without real authority, with the executive remaining outside their control and accountable only to the British Government. 
  • The Swarajists strategically forced the government to repeatedly certify legislation, exposing the limitations of the reformed councils.

2. Legislative Agendas

• Focus on Constitutional Progress: During the legislative sessions, the Swarajists focused on three major issues: constitutional advance towards self-government, civil liberties and the release of political prisoners, and the development of indigenous industries. 
• New Constitution and Power Transfer: Motilal Nehru passionately advocated for a new constitution that would transfer real power to India, a demand that received majority support. 
• Opposition to Government Budgetary Grants: The Swarajists also consistently voted against government demands for budgetary grants, challenging the administration’s authority.
• Firm Stance on Civil Liberties: In addressing civil liberties, repressive laws, and the release of political prisoners, the Swarajists stood firm, criticizing the government’s repressive policies. 
• Condemnation of Government Repression: They effectively used the legislative platform to condemn official actions, with leaders like C.S. Ranga Iyer and Lala Lajpat Rai articulating strong criticisms. 
• Public Inspiration: The Swarajist activity in the legislatures captivated the public, inspiring political interest and challenging the foreign bureaucracy.

3. Gain in Local Bodies

• Congress Success in Local Elections: Simultaneously, during 1923-24, Congressmen made significant gains in local bodies, capturing numerous municipalities and district boards. 
  • This included prominent leaders assuming key positions, such as C.R. Das became the Mayor of Calcutta and Vithalbhai Patel served as the President of the Bombay Corporation. 
• Reforms and Social Initiatives: Despite limited powers, these local bodies, led by influential figures, actively worked to improve education, sanitation, health, anti-untouchability efforts, and the promotion of khadi, earning admiration from both supporters and opponents.

The Swarajists’ legislative and local governance activities played a crucial role in sustaining political momentum and public enthusiasm during this period.

Conclusion

The efforts of the Swarajists and No-Changers were pivotal in shaping India’s independence movement. While Swarajists utilized legislative councils to challenge British rule and push for reforms, No-Changers maintained a radical stance, advocating continued boycotts and non-cooperation. Despite facing significant constraints, the Swarajists achieved notable successes in elections and legislative challenges, highlighting their strategic acumen. Both groups’ contributions underscored the diversity of approaches within the nationalist movement, driving India’s quest for self-governance forward.

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