Congress and Provincial Elections 1937

Explore how the Indian National Congress embraced constitutional politics in the 1937 Provincial Elections under the Government of India Act 1935, forming ministries in 7 provinces.

Conclusion

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Provincial elections were held in British India in winter of 1936-37, as mandated by the Government of India Act 1935. The elections took place in eleven provinces: Madras, Central Provinces, Bihar, Orissa, United Provinces, Bombay Presidency, Assam, NWFP, Bengal, Punjab, and Sindh.

From 1936-1939, the Indian National Congress shifted from confrontation to constitutional politics. This was a period of trial for constitutional methods, as the mass movement of the second phase of the Civil Disobedience Movement (from 1932 onwards) had not garnered as much response as the earlier phase.

As the mass movement was on a decline, voices within Congress began advocating for a return to constitutional methods. Following a significant debate, Congress decided to participate in the Provincial Elections of 1937 and successfully formed governments in seven provinces.

Prior to the 1937 elections, the Congress had been participating in Assembly and local body elections since 1934. These elections helped the Congress test its popular base, gain experience in election organization, planning, and management, and test its allies for the required electoral funds.

The Congress session at Lucknow in April 1936, presided over by Jawaharlal Nehru, resolved to contest the Provincial Elections on a manifesto basis and affirmed that the people of every part of India should have the same political, civil, and democratic liberties and the right to self-determination.

For the 1937 Provincial Elections, every member of the Congress made a concerted effort to ensure the success of the party's candidates. The election results were generally favorable for the Congress, with the party faring well in all regions except Bengal, Punjab, and Sindh. The Congress emerged as the single largest party in Bengal, NWFP, Assam, and Bombay. However, the Congress did not do well in elections to the upper houses, as voting was limited to the upper strata of society.

Conclusion

The 1937 Provincial Elections were a critical turning point in India's struggle for freedom. The decision of the Congress to contest was an indication of a strategic adjustment to constitutional politics due to the dwindling mass movements. By winning governments in seven provinces, the party not only acquired administrative experience but also proved its extensive popular support—laying the ground for future political negotiations with the British and consolidating the basis for India's eventual independence.

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Congress and Provincial Elections 1937

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