Formation of the Swaraj Party

The Swaraj Party was formed in 1923 by a group of prominent leaders within the Indian National Congress who were dissatisfied with the party's decision to boycott the legislative councils established under the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms. The party was founded with the aim of advocating for the participation of Congress members in council politics and pushing for greater autonomy and self-rule for India.

Reasons for the Formation of the Swaraj Party:

(a) Wanted members of Congress to return to Council Politics:

- The Swaraj Party believed that by boycotting the legislative councils, Congress was neglecting an important platform to raise the voice of the Indian people and advocate for their rights.
- They argued that by participating in council politics, Congress members could effectively challenge the British government's policies and push for reforms that would benefit the Indian population.
- The party believed that by engaging with the British authorities in the councils, they could expose the limitations of the reforms and highlight the need for complete self-rule.

(b) Wanted members of Congress to ask for Purna Swaraj for Indians:

- The Swaraj Party was committed to the goal of achieving complete independence or "Purna Swaraj" for India.
- They believed that by participating in council politics, they could demand and negotiate for greater autonomy and self-governance for the Indian people.
- The party aimed to use the councils as a platform to mobilize public opinion, raise awareness about the need for self-rule, and garner support for the cause of independence.

(c) Wanted members of Congress to ask Dominion State for India:

- The Swaraj Party advocated for India to be granted the status of a Dominion within the British Empire, similar to Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
- They believed that this would provide a step towards complete independence and enable India to have its own government and control over its internal affairs while still being a part of the British Commonwealth.
- By participating in council politics, the party aimed to push for the recognition of India as a Dominion state and work towards the establishment of a responsible government.

(d) Wanted members of Congress to oppose Simon Commission:

- The Swaraj Party strongly opposed the Simon Commission, which was appointed by the British government to assess the progress of constitutional reforms in India.
- They believed that the Commission was biased and did not include any Indian members, and therefore, it could not adequately represent the interests and aspirations of the Indian people.
- The party used council politics as a platform to voice their opposition to the Simon Commission and expose its flaws, demanding that the Indian people be given the opportunity to draft their own constitution.

Overall, the formation of the Swaraj Party was driven by the desire to actively participate in council politics, demand Purna Swaraj for Indians, advocate for a Dominion status for India, and oppose the biased Simon Commission. The party aimed to use these platforms to further the cause of independence and achieve self-rule for the Indian people.