The Second Stage Debate of 1937 was a crucial phase in the evolution of the Indian National Congress (INC) and the broader Indian nationalist movement. It took place against the backdrop of significant political developments, including the provincial elections held under the Government of India Act 1935, which resulted in the Congress forming governments in several provinces. The debate revolved around the Congress’s approach to governance, its policies, and its future strategy for achieving independence.
Background:
- Provincial Elections of 1937: The Government of India Act 1935 introduced provincial autonomy and elections in British India. The INC contested these elections under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru and emerged as the dominant political force, winning majority or significant seats in several provinces, including the United Provinces, Bihar, and Central Provinces.
- Congress Governments: Following the provincial elections, the Congress formed governments in various provinces for the first time. This marked a significant shift in Indian politics, as Congress leaders assumed executive responsibilities and began implementing their policies and programs.
Key Participants:
- Jawaharlal Nehru: Nehru, as the President of the Indian National Congress, played a central role in leading the party’s response to the challenges and opportunities presented by the Congress’s electoral success. He advocated for progressive and socialist policies, emphasizing the need for social and economic reforms to address poverty, inequality, and exploitation.
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: Patel, as one of the senior leaders of the Congress and a key figure in the provincial governments, was instrumental in managing the day-to-day affairs of the Congress-led administrations. He focused on maintaining law and order, promoting administrative efficiency, and consolidating the party’s support base.
- Maulana Abul Kalam Azad: Azad, a prominent Congress leader and a key architect of India’s freedom struggle, contributed to the debates during this period with his insights on religious harmony, national unity, and the rights of minority communities.
- Subhas Chandra Bose: Bose, a vocal critic of Congress policies during this period, advocated for a more radical approach to achieving independence, including the use of force if necessary. His differences with the Congress leadership led to his eventual resignation from the party.
Outcomes:
- Policy Formulation: The Second Stage Debate provided an opportunity for the Congress leadership to formulate policies and programs for the provinces under its control. The Congress governments focused on implementing agrarian reforms, expanding education and healthcare, and promoting social welfare measures to uplift the masses.
- Struggle for Independence: The debate reaffirmed the Congress’s commitment to the struggle for independence, even as it grappled with the challenges of governance and administration. The Congress leadership emphasized the importance of maintaining unity and mobilizing public support for the nationalist cause.
- Internal Differences: The Second Stage Debate also highlighted internal differences within the Congress over its policies and strategies. While Nehru and other leaders advocated for progressive and socialist policies, there were disagreements over the pace and extent of reforms, as well as the party’s approach to dealing with communal tensions and minority rights.
- Legacy: The Second Stage Debate laid the groundwork for the Congress’s subsequent role in the freedom struggle and its vision for independent India. It reflected the Congress’s commitment to democratic governance, social justice, and secularism, while also underscoring the challenges of managing a diverse and complex society.
In summary, the Second Stage Debate of 1937 was a pivotal moment in the history of the Indian National Congress and the Indian nationalist movement. It provided an opportunity for the Congress leadership to articulate its policies and strategies for governance, even as it grappled with internal differences and external challenges. The debate set the stage for the Congress’s subsequent role in India’s struggle for independence and its vision for a democratic and inclusive society.
