Blunders Of Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi is often hailed as the ‘Father of the Nation’ in India, recognized for his role in India’s struggle for independence through non-violence and civil disobedience. However, like any historical figure, his decisions were not beyond criticism. While his philosophy and methods inspired millions, some of his choices had significant consequences that shaped India’s history in ways that continue to be debated. This article critically examines some of the major blunders attributed to Gandhi and their impact on India.

1. Support for the Khilafat Movement

One of Gandhi’s early missteps was his involvement in the Khilafat Movement (1919–1924). This was a pan-Islamic movement led by Indian Muslims to protest the disintegration of the Ottoman Caliphate after World War I. Gandhi believed that by supporting the movement, he could unite Hindus and Muslims against British rule. However, the movement ultimately failed, and instead of fostering Hindu-Muslim unity, it further strengthened communal divisions. This movement also laid the foundation for the separate political identity of Muslims, which later contributed to the demand for Pakistan.

2. Calling Off the Non-Cooperation Movement

In 1922, Gandhi abruptly called off the Non-Cooperation Movement after the Chauri Chaura incident, where a violent mob killed 22 policemen. While Gandhi’s commitment to non-violence was commendable, critics argue that halting the movement at its peak demoralized nationalists and gave the British an advantage. Many leaders, including Subhas Chandra Bose and Bhagat Singh, felt that Gandhi’s decision was a setback to the independence struggle, as the movement had gained mass support and had the potential to shake British rule.

3. Acceptance of the Two-Nation Theory and Partition

Despite advocating Hindu-Muslim unity throughout his life, Gandhi ultimately accepted the Partition of India in 1947. His agreement to the creation of Pakistan contradicted his long-standing belief that India should remain united. While he initially opposed Partition, his failure to take a strong stand and prevent it is seen as one of his greatest blunders. The decision led to one of the bloodiest migrations in human history, with over a million deaths and mass displacement of Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims.

4. Nehru Over Patel for Prime Minister

Gandhi’s endorsement of Jawaharlal Nehru over Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for the first Prime Minister of India is widely considered a mistake. Patel was a pragmatic leader who had widespread support and was instrumental in integrating princely states into India. Nehru, on the other hand, pursued socialist policies that arguably slowed India’s economic growth. Many historians believe that India’s political and economic trajectory would have been different had Patel been the first Prime Minister.

5. Overemphasis on Non-Violence

While Gandhi’s principle of Ahimsa (non-violence) was noble, it often came at the cost of national security and self-defense. His response to communal riots was seen as impractical, as he urged Hindus to accept violence without retaliation in the name of peace. This stance was particularly criticized during the brutal massacres of Partition, where Hindus and Sikhs were slaughtered in large numbers.

6. Opposition to Industrialization

Gandhi championed the idea of village-based self-sufficiency, advocating for the use of Charkha (spinning wheel) and khadi (handspun cloth). While his vision aimed to empower rural India, it was unrealistic in a rapidly modernizing world. His opposition to large-scale industrialization delayed India’s economic development. Instead of supporting technological advancements, he promoted an agrarian society that could not compete with industrial economies like the USA, UK, and Soviet Union.

7. Appeasement of Pakistan Post-Partition

After Partition, Gandhi insisted that India transfer ₹55 crore to Pakistan, despite the ongoing war in Kashmir, where Pakistani forces were invading Indian territory. His decision sparked outrage, especially among nationalists, who saw it as an act of appeasement. This move was one of the reasons that led Nathuram Godse to assassinate him, as Godse believed Gandhi’s policies were detrimental to Indian interests.

8. Failure to Condemn Muslim League’s Direct Action Day

On August 16, 1946, the Muslim League, under Muhammad Ali Jinnah, called for Direct Action Day, leading to the Great Calcutta Killings, where thousands of Hindus were massacred. Gandhi did not take a strong stand against the League’s violence, which further emboldened communal forces and pushed India closer to Partition.

9. Alienation of Revolutionary Nationalists

Gandhi opposed revolutionary freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, and Subhas Chandra Bose, who believed that armed resistance was necessary against British rule. Gandhi refused to intervene in Bhagat Singh’s execution in 1931, despite public pressure. Many believe that had Gandhi negotiated more forcefully, Bhagat Singh’s life could have been spared.

10. Promoting Caste-Based Politics

Although Gandhi spoke against untouchability, he endorsed the caste system in a modified form, promoting the concept of Varna system where each group had designated duties. His opposition to B.R. Ambedkar’s demand for separate electorates for Dalits also led to criticism, as many Dalit leaders believed that Gandhi’s approach did not address their problems effectively.

Conclusion

While Mahatma Gandhi’s contributions to India’s independence are undeniable, his policies and decisions had consequences that continue to impact India today. His appeasement of communal forces, impractical insistence on non-violence, and economic vision were among his major flaws. History should acknowledge both his achievements and mistakes to understand his legacy in a balanced manner.

Gandhi remains an iconic figure, but critical evaluation of his decisions is essential for India’s progress. A nation must learn from its past to ensure that similar mistakes are not repeated in the future.