Question

Why did Mahatma Gandhi suspend the Civil Disobedience Movement in 1931?

Answer 1

Since the satyagraha could not be suprressed, the Government, through Tej Bahadur Sapru and Jaykar, started negotiations with Gandhiji in jail. This resulted in the signing of a pact by Gandhiji and Lord Irwin, the Viceroy in March 1931. This is known as Gandhi- Irwin Pact.

The government agreed to :

(i) Withdraw all ordinances and end prosecutions.

(ii) Release all political prisoners, except those guilty of violence.

(iii) Restore the confiscated properties of the satyagrahis.

(iv) Permit the free collection or manufacture of salt by persons near the sea coast.

The Congress in turn consented to the following:

(i) To suspend the Civil Disobedience Movement.

(ii) To participate in the second session of the Round Table Conference.

(iii) Not to press for investigation into police excesses.