Why Subhas Chandra Bose Resigned From Congress?

The Resignation of Subhas Chandra Bose from the Congress Presidency in 1939

Subhas Chandra Bose’s resignation from the presidency of the Indian National Congress in 1939 remains one of the most significant political events in India’s freedom struggle. His departure symbolized the ideological rift between the moderate, non-violent approach led by Mahatma Gandhi and the more aggressive, action-oriented stance advocated by Bose. Understanding the circumstances that led to his resignation provides insight into the complexities of the Indian independence movement.

Bose’s Re-election and Gandhi’s Opposition

In 1938, Subhas Chandra Bose was elected as the President of the Indian National Congress at the Haripura session. His leadership was marked by a call for complete and immediate independence, a departure from the Congress’ gradualist approach. Bose’s popularity among the youth and radical elements within the party grew, and he was seen as a leader who could take decisive steps against British rule.

In 1939, at the Tripuri session, Bose stood for re-election. His opponent, Pattabhi Sitaramayya, was supported by Gandhi and the Congress Working Committee (CWC). Despite Gandhi’s influence, Bose won the election, securing a clear majority. Although Gandhi had resigned from the Congress in 1934, his moral authority and influence over party leaders remained strong. Gandhi, deeply disappointed, accepted the outcome, famously stating that Sitaramayya’s defeat was his own defeat.

However, this victory did not translate into functional leadership. The Congress leadership, dominated by Gandhi’s loyalists, made it nearly impossible for Bose to implement his policies. Gandhi’s informal influence created an environment where Bose’s leadership was continuously undermined.

Clash of Ideologies

The fundamental disagreement between Bose and Gandhi lay in their methods of achieving independence:

• Non-Violence vs. Aggression: Gandhi believed in non-violent resistance (Satyagraha) and civil disobedience as the most effective tools against British colonial rule. Bose, on the other hand, felt that direct military confrontation was necessary and advocated for seeking international alliances to weaken the British Empire.
• Negotiation vs. Confrontation: While Gandhi preferred to negotiate with the British and engage in moral persuasion, Bose was convinced that the British would not voluntarily relinquish their hold over India without facing external pressure and internal rebellion.
• Economic Vision: Gandhi emphasized self-sufficiency, village-based economies, and the revival of traditional crafts like khadi weaving. Bose envisioned a strong, industrialized India with a socialist economic framework.

Challenges Faced by Bose

Despite his electoral victory, Bose faced insurmountable opposition from within the Congress:

1. Lack of Support from the Working Committee: After his re-election, Bose attempted to form a cabinet and propose a more aggressive resolution for immediate independence. However, the majority of the Working Committee members refused to cooperate. Gandhi’s influence over Congress leaders like Vallabhbhai Patel, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Rajendra Prasad made it difficult for Bose to pass any significant resolutions.
2. Tripuri Crisis and Factionalism: The internal conflict within the Congress became known as the Tripuri Crisis. The Congress was divided into two factions: one supporting Bose’s militant approach and the other aligning with Gandhi’s non-violent strategy. This division paralyzed the party’s functioning.
3. Health Issues: Bose’s health deteriorated during this time. He suffered from tuberculosis, which further weakened his physical and emotional resilience to withstand the political opposition.
4. Mahatma Gandhi’s Moral Authority: Although not a Congress member, Gandhi’s moral influence over the Indian masses and Congress leaders was unmatched. His disapproval indirectly encouraged opposition to Bose’s leadership. Many Congress members felt conflicted about supporting a leader whom Gandhi did not endorse.

Bose’s Letter to Gandhi and Resignation

Amid mounting pressure, Bose sought reconciliation by writing a respectful letter to Gandhi, acknowledging their ideological differences but expressing his commitment to the cause of independence. Despite Bose’s willingness to find common ground, the hostility within the Congress remained unrelenting.

In April 1939, Subhas Chandra Bose tendered his resignation as the Congress President. He recognized that without the support of the Working Committee, his leadership would be ineffective. His decision was not one of defeat but of principle—he refused to remain in a position where he could not implement his vision for India’s freedom.

Formation of the Forward Bloc

Following his resignation, Bose established the Forward Bloc within the Congress. The Forward Bloc was intended to consolidate the support of left-wing, socialist, and radical elements. It aimed to continue the struggle for complete independence through more assertive means.

Bose also began seeking international support to liberate India. His efforts eventually led him to align with the Axis powers during World War II, forming the Indian National Army (INA) to fight against British colonial rule.

Legacy of the Resignation

Subhas Chandra Bose’s resignation was a defining moment in India’s freedom struggle. While it exposed the deep divisions within the Congress, it also demonstrated Bose’s unwavering commitment to his ideals. His decision to resign rather than compromise on his beliefs earned him respect and admiration from many Indians.

Gandhi and Bose’s differences represented the diversity of thought in the Indian independence movement. While Gandhi’s non-violent methods ultimately played a significant role in India’s freedom, Bose’s determination and military efforts also contributed to the weakening of British control.

Conclusion

Subhas Chandra Bose’s resignation from the Congress presidency was not merely a political act but a symbolic statement against the constraints imposed by the dominant leadership. It highlighted the challenges of ideological diversity in a mass movement for independence. Despite the circumstances of his resignation, Bose remained a stalwart of the freedom struggle, inspiring generations with his courage and unwavering resolve.

In the end, both Gandhi and Bose shared a common vision of an independent India, though they chose vastly different paths to achieve it. Their contributions, despite the differences, remain integral to the story of India’s liberation from colonial rule.