Sambhav-2024

• Start the answer with a discussion that sets a context for the question.
• Discuss that the Quit India Movement was in contrast to Gandhian ideology.
• Conclude suitably.

Introduction

The Quit India Movement, launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1942 during the peak of World War II, was a significant episode in India's struggle for independence. While Gandhi was the driving force behind this movement, it can be argued that the Quit India Movement was in contrast to some key tenets of Gandhian ideology.

Body

Significant deviation from Gandhian principles:

• "Do or Die" Stance and Ethical Compromises:
  • During this period, Gandhi Ji gave the slogan "Do or Die," conveying a heightened determination that either India would achieve freedom or its people would perish in their endeavor.
  • This marked a departure from Gandhi's usual non-violent and principled approach, introducing a more assertive and confrontational stance.
• Public on Rampage:
  • The Quit India Movement witnessed widespread instances of violence, arson, and sabotage.
  • The general public attacked symbols of authority and hoisted national flags forcibly on public buildings
  • Satyagrahis offered themselves up to arrest, bridges were blown up, railway tracks were removed and telegraph lines were cut.
• Abandoning Dialogue and Negotiation:
  • The confrontational approach deviated from Gandhi's preference for peaceful dialogue and discussions.
  • Workers went on strike in Ahmedabad, Bombay, Jamshedpur and Poona.
  • Students responded by going on strike in schools and colleges, participating in processions, and writing and distributing illegal news sheets (patrikas).
• Underground Activity :
  • Many nationalists went underground and took to subversive activities.
  • The main personalities taking up underground activity were Rammanohar
  • Lohia, Jayaprakash Narayan, Aruna Asaf Ali, Usha Mehta, Biju Patnaik, Chhotubhai Puranik, Achyut Patwardhan, Sucheta Kripalani, and R.P. Goenka. Usha Mehta started an underground radio in Bombay.
• Parallel Governments :
  • Parallel governments were established at many places:
    • Ballia (in August 1942 for a week)—under Chittu Pandey.
    • Tamluk (Midnapore, from December 1942 to September 1944)— uner Jatiya Sarkar.
    • Satara (mid-1943 to 1945)—named “Prati Sarkar”, was organised under leaders like Y.B. Chavan, Nana Patil, etc.
• Neglect of Constructive Work and Self-Reliance:
  • Gandhi advocated for constructive activities and self-sufficient villages.The movement shifted away from Gandhi's emphasis on positive aspects of self-governance and nation-building.
  • Quit India Movement focused more on direct political action and disruption.

Conclusion

Quit India Movement demonstrated a more assertive and impatient approach compared to the earlier emphasis on constitutional methods, negotiations, and reforms. The experience gained during this movement and the subsequent developments paved the way for the formation of a democratic and sovereign nation after gaining independence in 1947.