Modern-indian-history / Non-Cooperation Movement and Khilafat Aandolan / Why Gandhi Withdrew the Movement
Why Gandhi Withdrew the Movement
Gandhi decided to withdraw from the Non-Cooperation Movement for several reasons:
Fear of Violence:
- Gandhi believed that the movement had not fully imbibed the principles of nonviolence.
- The Chauri-Chaura incident, in which a police station was set on fire and its occupants were killed, deeply troubled Gandhi.
- He felt that such incidents could lead to a violent turn in the movement, which would play into the hands of the colonial authorities.
- Gandhi believed that a violent movement would be easily suppressed by the British, who could use it as a pretext to use their armed forces against the protestors.
Signs of Wear and Tear:
- The Non-Cooperation Movement had been sustained at a high pitch for a considerable period of time, and signs of fatigue were starting to show.
- Sustaining such a mass movement requires immense energy, resources, and discipline, and Gandhi observed that the movement was losing steam.
- The government showed little interest in negotiating or addressing the demands, making it difficult to maintain momentum.
Changing Relevance of Khilafat Issue:
- The Khilafat issue, which had served as a unifying factor during the early stages of the movement, began to lose its relevance.
- In Turkey, the people had risen up under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and the Sultan's political power was overthrown.
- Turkey underwent significant modernization, establishing a secular state, introducing a European-style legal system, granting extensive rights to women, nationalizing education, and promoting agriculture and industry.
- As a result, the Khilafat issue lost its significance, as the caliphate was abolished in 1924.
Considering these factors, Gandhi made the decision to withdraw from the Non-Cooperation Movement, as he believed it was crucial to maintain the principles of nonviolence and avoid a violent outcome.
He also recognized the need to reassess the movement's objectives and strategies in light of changing circumstances.
