Question

Mahatma Gandhi did not initiate an immediate mass movement during World War II because
1. He believed that the cause of allies in the war was just.
2. There was lack of Hindu-Muslim unity.
3. Congress was organisationally weak to start a mass struggle.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?

• A. Only 1 and 2
• B. Only 2 and 3
• C. Only 1 and 3
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is D All of the above

1. While there was agreement among Congressmen on the question of attitude towards the World War II and the resignation of the ministries, sharp differences developed over the question of the immediate starting of a mass Satyagraha. Gandhiji and the dominant leadership advanced three broad reasons for not initiating an immediate movement.
2. They felt that since the cause of the Allies i.e. Britain and France, was just, they should not be embarrassed in the prosecution of the War.
3. The lack of Hindu- Muslim unity was a big barrier to a struggle. In the existing atmosphere any civil disobedience movement could easily degenerate into communal rioting or even civil war.
4. They felt that there did not exist in the country an atmosphere for an immediate struggle. Neither the masses were ready nor was the Congress organizationally in a position to launch a struggle. The Congress organization was weak and had been corrupted during 1938-39. There was indiscipline and lack of cohesion within the Congress ranks.
5. Under these circumstances, a mass movement would not be able to withstand severe repressive measures by the Government