Other strands in the National Movement-II - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

The Congress Socialist Party (CSP) holds a significant place in the annals of Indian political history. It emerged as a left-wing faction within the Indian National Congress (INC), India's foremost political organization during the struggle for independence. Founded in 1934 by prominent socialists like Jayaprakash Narayan and Acharya Narendra Dev, the CSP played a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape of the time.

Formation and Motivation

• The formation of the CSP can be traced back to the aftermath of the suspension of the Civil Disobedience Movement in 1934. 
• During this period, some members of the Indian National Congress decided to engage with the British colonial government by participating in legislatures. These individuals came to be known as "Constitutionalists." 
• However, this approach was met with resistance from socialist quarters within the Congress, who believed that it could dilute the revolutionary character of the party. Consequently, they established the Congress Socialist Party to preserve their ideals and principles.

Ideology and Beliefs of CSP

• They believed in Marxist Ideas, Gandhism, Liberal and Social democracy of the west,
• Allegiance to Indian National Congress (INC),
• Nationalism and Independence was their goal,
• They joined hands with Bourgeois or Middle class,
• Bringing in workers and peasants so as to create a broad base for Congress,
• Abolition of capitalism,
• Abolition of zamindari system,
• Abolition of princely states,
• Incorporate radical socio-economic measures for the upliftment of distressed people into the Congress work programme.

Distinction from Communists

Early Socialists

• In the early 1930s, Socialists groups formed in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Bombay, and Punjab.
• In 1933 at Nasik jail, the idea of forming a socialist party within the Congress was floated by young socialists such as Jaya Prakash Narayan, Achyut Patwardhan, M.R.Masani, N.G.Gore, Ashok Mehta, S.M.Joshi, M.L.Dantwala.
• In 1934 at Banaras, Sampurnananda wrote a pamphlet which argued for the need for formation of the all-India socialist party as a congress wing.
• Jayaprakash Narayan wrote a book named Why socialism? – the relevance of socialism in India.
• Yusuf Meherally founded Bombay provincial youth league which played important role in demonstration againstSimonn commission and also participated in civil disobedience movement.
• Ram Manohar Lohia published a Journal named Congress socialist.

Formation of the All India Congress Socialist Party

• The first conference of the All India Congress Socialist Party took place in Patna in May 1934, under the leadership of Jaya Prakash Narayan and Acharya Narendra Dev. It was here that the framework for the party was established. 
• The official formation of the CSP occurred in Bombay in October 1934, with Sampurnananda as the president and Jayaprakash Narayan as the General Secretary. Delegates from thirteen provinces participated in this historic event.

Objectives of CSP

• Independence (freedom from British rule) and socialism were the twin objectives of the Congress Socialist Party. 
• For the attainment of Independence, the congress socialists joined hands with Anti-imperialists and non-socialists forces within in the Congress. Jaya Prakash Narayan said: “Our work within congress is governed by the policy of developing it into a true anti-imperialist body”. He also warned his co-workers in 1935: “Nothing should be done which may antagonise the genuinely nationalist elements and drive them to joined hands with the compromise-seeking right wing.”
• But the ultimate objective of the congress socialists was to establish a socialist society in India and they worked to secure the acceptance of their programme by the Indian National Congress.

Work Programme of the CSP

The CSP's comprehensive work program aimed at transforming Indian society into a socialist one. Some key components of this program included:

• Transfer of power to the masses
• Planned and state-controlled economic development
• Socialization of key industries
• State monopoly on foreign trade
• Promotion of cooperative societies
• Abolition of titles and redistribution of land
• Cooperative and collective farming
• Liquidation of debts for peasants and workers
• Right to work guaranteed by the State
• Equitable distribution of goods
• Adult franchise based on function
• Non-discrimination based on religion, caste, or gender
• Refusal to acknowledge India's public debt

CSP’s impacts on national politics

Negative reactions from Nationalist leaders

• Gandhi rejected the ideas of property abolition, Class war, zamindari abolition, capitalism abolition and princely states abolition. Instead, they should act as trustees of workers, peasants and subjects.
• Nehru and Bose though socialists, never joined CSP

Positive reaction from National leaders

• Nehru appointed Acharya narendra dev, Jayaprakash Narayan and Achyut patvardhan in Congress working committee
• In 1936 faizpur session under the leadership of Nehru, the agrarian programme was approved which called for
  • Reduction of land revenue
  • Abolition of feudal levies and dues
  • Cooperative farming
  • Living wage for agricultural labourers
  • Creation of Peasant unions
• In 1936, Indian National Congress asked congress ministries in provinces to work for safeguarding and promoting interests of workers
• CSP pushed Congress to join the democratic movement against princely state rulers for civic rights and responsible government.

Conclusion

The Congress Socialist Party left an indelible mark on India's political landscape during the pre-independence era. Its vision for an independent, socialist India was a significant force within the Indian National Congress. While the CSP dissolved in 1948, its legacy continues to resonate in the history of Indian politics. Understanding the role and ideology of the CSP is essential for any serious student of Indian political history and the struggle for independence.