Modern-indian-history / Government of India Act, 1935 / Congress Manifesto for Elections and Performance
Congress Manifesto for Elections and Performance
The Congress manifesto for the elections laid out key promises and principles:
- Rejection of the 1935 Act: The manifesto reiterated the Congress's total rejection of the Government of India Act, 1935, reflecting the party's steadfast opposition to colonial governance.
- Social and Economic Reforms: The manifesto pledged to address social injustices by promising the release of political prisoners, removal of gender and caste-based disabilities, and advocating for radical transformations in the agrarian system. Specific measures included substantial reductions in rent and revenue, scaling down of rural debts, and initiatives to provide cheap credit to farmers.
- Labor Rights: The manifesto emphasized the right to form trade unions and to strike, recognizing the importance of protecting the interests and rights of laborers.
Despite Gandhi's absence from election meetings, the Congress performed impressively in the elections:
- Electoral Success: The Congress won 716 out of the 1,161 seats it contested, securing a significant portion of the legislative seats across the eleven provinces.
- Majority in Provinces: The Congress achieved a majority in most provinces, underscoring its widespread popularity and electoral strength. However, it fell short of a majority in Bengal, Assam, Punjab, Sindh, and the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP).
- Prestige Boost: The Congress's electoral success enhanced its prestige and influence, consolidating its position as the leading political force in India. Nehru, who had initially opposed the struggle-truce-struggle (S-T-S) strategy, was reconciled to its dominant position within the Congress following this electoral triumph.
Overall, the Congress's manifesto and electoral performance underscored its commitment to advancing nationalist goals and implementing social and economic reforms aimed at addressing the grievances of the Indian populace.
