Haripura and Tripuri Sessions

Subhas Chandra Bose's views and actions during the Haripura and Tripuri sessions reflected his commitment to radical ideas and full independence for India:

1. Opposition to Dominion Status: Bose disagreed with Gandhi and other Congress leaders on the issue of dominion status for India. He opposed the Motilal Nehru Report, which advocated for dominion status, and instead advocated for full independence.
2. Formation of Independence League: Bose took proactive steps to advance the cause of full independence by forming the Independence League. This organization aimed to mobilize support for the independence movement outside the confines of the Congress.
3. Endorsement of Poorna Swaraj: When the Lahore Congress session, under Jawaharlal Nehru's leadership, adopted the resolution declaring the goal of the Congress to be 'Poorna Swaraj' (complete independence), Bose fully supported this decision, aligning himself with the radical faction within the Congress.
4. Involvement in Salt Satyagraha: Bose actively participated in the Salt Satyagraha Movement of 1930, demonstrating his willingness to engage in acts of civil disobedience and nonviolent protest against British rule.
5. Opposition to Gandhi-Irwin Pact: Bose vehemently opposed the suspension of the Civil Disobedience Movement and the signing of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact in 1931. He was particularly critical of the government's refusal to negotiate on the death sentence for Bhagat Singh and his associates, highlighting his uncompromising stance against colonial oppression.

Through his actions and ideological positions, Bose emerged as a dynamic and assertive leader within the Indian nationalist movement, advocating for radical strategies and unwavering commitment to the goal of full independence for India.

Subhas Chandra Bose's presidency at the Haripura session of the Congress marked a significant moment in the nationalist movement:

1. Election as President: Bose's unanimous election as president demonstrated the widespread support for his leadership and his radical vision within the Congress.
2. Revolutionary Potential of Congress Ministries: Bose believed that the Congress ministries in the provinces had the potential to bring about revolutionary changes. He saw them as platforms for implementing progressive policies and initiating socio-economic reforms.
3. Focus on Economic Development: Bose emphasized the importance of economic development through planning. He played a key role in establishing the National Planning Committee, indicating his commitment to addressing the economic challenges facing India.
4. Support for Agitation in Princely States: The session adopted a resolution expressing moral support for those agitating against princely state governments. This decision underscored the Congress's commitment to addressing issues beyond British-controlled territories and supporting struggles for self-governance in princely states.
5. International Situation: Bose's presidency coincided with a highly disturbed international situation, with indications of an impending war in Europe. This global context likely influenced Bose's strategic thinking and approach to the nationalist movement, as he navigated India's path towards independence amidst global uncertainties.

Overall, the Haripura session under Bose's leadership reflected a period of intense political activism and strategic planning within the Congress, as the movement sought to capitalize on opportunities for advancing the cause of Indian independence.

The 1939 Congress presidential election, in which Subhas Chandra Bose contested against Pattabhi Sitaramayya, marked a significant moment in the internal dynamics of the Congress party:

1. Subhas Chandra Bose's Candidature: Bose's decision to stand for the president's post reflected his commitment to advancing "new ideas, ideologies, problems, and programmes" within the Congress. He positioned himself as a representative of the progressive wing of the anti-imperialist struggle, advocating for bold and radical approaches to achieving independence.
2. Gandhi's Opposition: Gandhi, while acknowledging Bose's victory, expressed his dissatisfaction with Bose's candidature. Gandhi's reservations stemmed from his belief that the Congress president should uphold unity and representational symbolism rather than embody specific ideologies or programmes. His support for Pattabhi Sitaramayya underscored his preference for a candidate aligned with his vision for the Congress.
3. Congress Working Committee's Perspective: Members of the Congress Working Committee, including Sardar Patel, Rajendra Prasad, and J.B. Kripalani, argued that the role of the Congress president was primarily constitutional and symbolic. They emphasized the importance of unity and representation rather than ideological alignment.
4. Bose's Victory and Division within the Congress: Despite Gandhi's preference for Sitaramayya, Bose secured a decisive victory in the election, garnering support from the Congress Socialist Party and the communists. This victory highlighted the internal divisions within the Congress, with Bose's win being perceived as a challenge to Gandhi's leadership and ideological authority.
5. Gandhi versus Bose Issue: Bose's victory intensified the perceived rivalry between him and Gandhi within the Congress. While Gandhi congratulated Bose on his win, he also framed Sitaramayya's defeat as his own, emphasizing the personal stakes involved in the election outcome.

Overall, the 1939 Congress presidential election exposed deep-seated tensions and ideological differences within the party, reflecting broader debates about the direction and strategy of the nationalist movement.

The Tripuri session of the Congress in March 1939 marked a crucial turning point in the internal dynamics of the party, primarily due to Subhas Chandra Bose's contentious presidency:

1. Polarization and Ideological Divide: Bose's victory in the election highlighted the deep-seated ideological divisions within the Congress. His presidency symbolized a departure from the traditional Gandhian approach, advocating for a more assertive and radical stance in the struggle for independence.
2. Conflict with Working Committee: Bose's presidency led to tensions with the existing leadership, particularly the members of the Congress Working Committee. His accusations of their readiness to compromise with the government on key issues further exacerbated the internal crisis within the party.
3. Ultimatum for Independence: In his presidential address, Bose called for issuing an ultimatum to the British government, demanding immediate independence for India. He proposed launching a mass civil disobedience movement if the ultimatum was rejected, capitalizing on the international crisis to press for freedom.
4. Gandhi's Opposition: Gandhi opposed Bose's radical approach, believing that neither the Congress nor the masses were prepared for such a confrontational strategy. He emphasized the need for unity and cautioned against divisive actions that could undermine the nationalist movement.
5. Resolution and Resignation: A resolution reaffirming faith in Gandhian principles was passed, urging Bose to nominate the working committee in accordance with Gandhi's wishes. Despite attempts to reconcile, Bose and Gandhi remained ideologically opposed, leading Bose to resign from the presidency in April 1939.
6. Formation of Forward Bloc: Following his resignation, Bose and his supporters formed the Forward Bloc within the Congress. However, disciplinary action by the Congress Working Committee, including Bose's removal from key positions, strained relations further.

The Tripuri session underscored the challenges of navigating ideological differences within the Congress, ultimately resulting in Bose's resignation and the election of Rajendra Prasad as president. Despite the internal strife, the Congress managed to maintain unity, albeit with lingering tensions between various factions.