President of the Congress Conference

The All India Congress Committee met and elected Subhash Chandra Bose as the President of the Congress Conference to be held in 1938 at Haripur, Gujarat. Deshbandhu Chittaranjandas was elected as the President in 1922 Congress Conference. Then no Bengali was selected. Naturally, this brought joy to the Bengali's. The fact that it was the 51st Congress conference was going to be held in a rural area was a matter of exaggeration.

President (then Congress President was called President) Subhash Chandra Bose along with his mother Prabhavathi Devi, Hirianna Sarat Chandra, his wife Vibhavati, Deshbandhu's wife Vasantima left in the Mumbai Mail. At all the stops along the route, people offered garlands and congratulated them.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Darbara Gopaldas stood to welcome him with huge garlands at the Udana railway station near Haripur. The tremendous enthusiasm of the villagers there was unprecedented. As the President arrived at Haripur, he was driven in a cart drawn by 51 white bullocks, accompanied by a band and cheered by thousands of villagers. Sardar Patel and Pandit Nehru stood next to Subhash in the carriage, while Babu Rajendra Prasad, Maulan Azad, Barrister Nariman, Govindavallabha Pant, Acharya Kripalani participated in the procession. Although two lakh people attended the session, there was no disorder. A flag salutation program was held after the parade. Subhash paid tribute to the huge oil painting of Vithalabhai Patel kept nearby. Former President Jawaharlal Nehru handed over the presidency to Subhash Chandra Bose by garlanding him and congratulating him. Subhash pressed Nehruji. Gandhiji and Sarat Chandra Bose were seated on the dais. After the flag salute, Subhash Chandra said, 'There is no power on this earth to keep India in slavery any longer!' announced that. All the audience heartily said those words approved.

[ All India Congress Committee ]

Here the Congressmen are happy.If it was floating, the police officers who were burdened with the protection of the session would have mourned. A white high-ranking police officer said, 'It's fun to see a priest of non-violence put in such a high position and celebrate!' That was their bitterness. Nehru rested with the report of last year's activities. Subhash Chandra Bose stood up to deliver his presidential speech and began his speech with an emotional wish that 'the company and guidance of Mahatma Gandhi will continue to be available to this country and its people'. 'I don't think I deserve such an unprecedented honour. This is because of your love! I also think this is a tribute to youth power. Many of my progenitors of this great India have adorned and honored this position.
This has filled my heart,' he humbly said.

Then, he continued, 'With the speed with which empires reach the pinnacle of glory, with the same speed in the end they collapse and disappear in the womb of time! It's time glory! Time has not created another rule for the British Empire! You will soon see the end of it too! The British ruined Ireland and Palestine because of their policy of divide and rule. That double seed has already been sown in this ground. As soon as it sprouts, they will vacate their space. That is their reward!' He said.

Gandhiji was shocked by those words! He was agitated by the fear of the possible bifurcation of the country. However, the people of the country did not see anything wrong in this instruction of Subhash. The happenings in the country seemed to justify it. He reiterated the attitude of the Congress towards the minorities saying that the masses need to be freed from the shackles of the country's state. For the first time, he insisted on the Congress platform to set up a 'Planning Commission' for the economic development of the country. For industrial development, he urged to validate and strengthen cottage industries.

Subhash Chandra spoke eloquently for three hours straight and expressed his views on various issues of the country. The Congress also formally inaugurated the 'Planning Commission' in Mumbai in December 1938 under the chairmanship of Jawaharlal Nehru.

Later, Subhash Chandra announced that he would contest for the Congress president post for the second time. Immediately there was an uproar in the Congress. Subhash replied that he himself not competing for their personal desires and aspirations. He said that there are many tasks that he has to complete as Congress President and he needs time to do them. However, the right wing did not allow it and pitted Pattabhi Sitaramaiah, who was blessed by Mahatma Gandhi, against Subhash. Then, elections became inevitable. The result was out and Subhash won by getting 1580 votes and 1375 votes for his opponent. Ironically, Gandhiji was Sitaramaiah's defeat the statement of defeat was much debated.

Later, when Subhash went to Shantiniketan to meet Gurudev Rabindra, he met Jawaharlal Nehru there. Both friends talked for a long time. Both Nehru and Tagore spoke to Gandhiji and told Subhash to resolve their differences.Accordingly, Subhash met Gandhiji at Vardha Ashram.

An executive meeting was to be held at Vardha on February 22 before the Tripura Congress session. Gandhiji said, 'Let's get together and discuss effectively and wash away the pollution of the mind. But, only you should participate in the meeting without fail,' admonished Subhash Chandra.

'Can I, as the President-elect, avoid the executive meeting? Shouldn't the resolutions and other plans to be presented in the Tripura session be prepared?' Subhash said.

Subhash Chandra left for Kolkata by train that night. But, while on the train, he suddenly fell seriously ill. Fever was 105 degrees. After getting down at Howrah station, they had no idea how it reached home!

Even then the fever did not subside. Because of that, 'I cannot come to Vardha meeting due to illness. Adjourn the meeting till the session' Subhash sent a wire to Patel. The internal strife of the Congress had now come to the streets because of the newspapers. Meanwhile a letter came from Sardar Patel. It was like this:

Dear Subhash, we are all sorry to hear about your illness. We do not want you to come to Vardha in such situation. May your health improve soon. In this case, we all feel that resignation from executive membership is the appropriate course of action. For that, our resignation letter is enclosed herewith. You can choose new members.

The resignation letter was signed by twelve people including Patel. However, Nehru's signature was not there. He had written a separate letter about that. The rest of the fifteen members are Subhash Chandra and his brother Sarat Chandra Bose.

Bose's health never improved. He was deeply disappointed about the Tripura session and its preparations. Amidst this, Gandhiji announced that he would not participate in the Tripura session. Then, Subhash thought 'I have met not a Mahatma, but a shrewd politician!'

The atmosphere at Bose's house in Kolkata's Woodburn Park was deplorable. Subhash didn't get out of bed. The Tripura session was coming very close. Brother Sarat Chandra and sister-in-law Vibhavati nursed Subhash day and night. Sarat's son Dr. Sunil had undertaken Subhash's treatment.

On March 5, 1939, at the railway station in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, Shet Govinda Das, the president of the reception committee of the Congress session, was anxiously looking towards the Kolkata mail. A large number of Congress workers gathered at the station. In the meantime, Gandhiji went on hunger strike in Rajkot. Without him, everyone was worried about how the session would go. Finally the mail stopped. People gathered around the Bhogi decorated with the tricolor flag. Although Subhash was suffering from pneumonia, he was determined to go to Tripura, defying the doctor's advice. He was immediately rushed to the ambulance. The ambulance quickly left for Tripura.

In 'Vishnu Dutta Nagar' built on the banks of Narmada river thousands of people gathered. A grand procession was organized this time like every year. As it was the 52nd session, 52 colorful elephants were waiting for Subhash Chandra's path. A portrait of the president of the respective period was placed in the vault of each. The elephant on which President Subhash was supposed to sit was also decorated with special effort. However, the President was not the in a position to sit on it!

Although Congress leaders were all present, none of them met the President and inquired about his health. The next day Health Minister Dr. G.D. Gilder checked Subhash's health. The senior leader's face was full of sadness. Nehru Dr. Gilder asked 'How is Subhash's health?' He asked. Dr. Gilder said his condition was alarming. Nehru's face turned pale. He went straight to Subhash Chandra's camp. Patel followed him. Subhash's face was bloomed. The eyes were red. Seeing him in this condition, Nehru's heart sank! He said angrily: 'Subhash, why are you insisting like this? All this except you. We will admit you to Jabalpur hospital now.'

'No Pandit, I will not move a single step from Tripura. I will not move without reaching my message to the people' Subhash's decision was unwavering.

Subhash Chandra was lifted to the stage with a mattress. He was also semi-conscious. However, he was watching the proceedings of the meeting with the nomination paper in hand. At the same time, news came that Gandhi had stopped his fast in Rajkot. The first program at the beginning of the meeting was the presentation of a letter of appreciation to Gandhiji. Then all the senior leaders to the stage was invited.

The English translation of Subhash's presidential speech was read by Sarat Chandra and the Hindi translation by Narendra Senani. Give an instruction to the imperialists and demand complete Swaraj! If Britain does not yield to it, conflict is inevitable. Let it be!" said Subhash and called upon the people that 'we must now intensify the Satyagraha and Savinaya Act'.All the efforts made by Nehru to invite Gandhiji to Tripura failed.

At the end of April 1939, a meeting of the All India Congress Committee was arranged in Kolkata. On the evening before the meeting, Mahatma Gandhi and Subhash Chandra had a final round of direct talks. Nehru and Rajendra Prasad helped negotiate. But, unfortunately, no conclusion emerged. Due to this, Subhash submitted his resignation without any other option.

Subhash Chandra's resignation marked the end of a great chapter in his life as well as the prelude to his quest for the liberation of India.

After his resignation, he did not sit idly by but started working to bring together all the reformists and progressives within the Congress party. At the same time, the atmosphere that World War II was certain to take place was visible in the world events. Subhash called to take full advantage of this situation. However, this did not go well with the right wing. Congress Progressives the group identified itself within the Congress party as the 'Forward Bloc'.The progressives had a distant hope that their views would get a majority in the Congress today or tomorrow. Their leader was Subhash Chandra Bose. In May 1939, the Forward Bloc began its insurgent campaign. In July, the right to openly criticize and debate the policies and tactics of the Congress High Committee and Congress Ministerial Mandals was presented. Babu Rajendraprasad, who was the then president of the Congress, not only expressed his opposition to it, but also told Subhash Chandra that such efforts should not be continued. However, Subhash said that he would not accept such undemocratic instructions. Then, he was expelled from the party. He was also banned from holding elected office of the party for three years.

[ All India Forward Bloc Flag ]

However, due to these actions of the right wing of the Congress, Subhash Chandra's charisma did not weaken. Gandhiji himself said with surprise that 'after submitting his resignation to the post of Congress President, Subhash Chandra's public charisma has grown and not diminished'.

In September 1939, when Subhash Chandra was addressing a huge public meeting at the Marina Beach in Madras, the news was shocking but not unexpected! War broke out between Britain and Germany. Subhash responded immediately and said, 'Now India has got a golden deal. Now we must not look back and advance the right to freedom and defeat the enemy!" he thundered.

There,British Viceroy Linlithgow of India in New Delhi Without taking the initiative of asking the opinion of any leader or common man or pretending to do so.He issued an ordinance banning all forms of agitation and strikes in the country. At that time, Gandhiji not only met and discussed with the Viceroy, but also forgot the differences between the British Government and the people of India regarding the grant of independence and called upon the people to give all possible cooperation to Britain in that time of distress. However, Subhash Chandra called upon the people not to value the British imperialist war which has been ignoring and defying the resolutions that the Indian National Congress had been accepting since 1927. Two of India's greats in such critical times the leaders confused the people of the country by giving contrary statements!

While Subhash Chandra was still in Madras, he received a wire message from Bapuji. 'In September 1939, Congress executive meeting will be held at Vardha. It said that you must be present there without fail. Subhash moved to Vardha. Already Viceroy Linlithgow, 38 crores of Hindustanis had been thrown into the throes of war. Subhash Chandra was curious to see what decision Gandhiji and the Congress would take on this occasion!

'Bapu, why did you call me?'

'What else? For exchange of ideas.' 'The fact that you threw me out of the Congress is for you must have forgotten! Not even a month has passed. Meanwhile

Why else did I remember?' 'Yes. However, I have to discuss with you.'

'But I have nothing to discuss with you. I have come here to see how it is possible for a Mahatma to injure someone else and put salt on it!'

Gandhi laughed and said: 'Subhash, the punishment I have given you is very mild.'

'Is it a mild punishment to expel a person who has been the president of the Congress not once but twice from the party? If Bapu agrees to your truth and non-violence, stop me on the road and ask your children to fulfill their desire to flow clothes, why delay?' 'Subhash, are you talking very quietly?' 'Even so, I myself am a survivor. Tell me how it is, Bapu!'

'Something has thrown you out of the Congress. But, I'm struggling with not being able to put out only my heart! I can't show my face to you!' Gandhiji's voice was shaking. Even a drop of tears was shed! Kastura Ba lovingly told Subhash Chandra: 'Bapu will be cheered by your visit.'

'I also get comfort and peace by seeing him!' said sincerely, then regretfully: ' There is no use in that!'

'Why? What happened?' asked in shock.

'He will not give up his philosophy, I will not give up my decision!' A meeting of the Congress Executive was held and a resolution was finally accepted offering wartime co-operation to the British Government with certain conditions. In response to that, the Viceroy said that India will be examined about granting self-government independence sometime in the future. Annoyed by this, the Congress functionaries held a meeting and asked the ministers of all the provinces of the country to resign and threatened the government with a non-cooperation movement. But it was not implemented. Subhash was disappointed by this.

Subhash is frustrated with all these behaviors of Congress to inform the public not to give any cooperation for the time being Organized a movement. In October 1939 in Nagpur and Bihar in March 1940 Anti-imperialist conferences were held in Ramgarh. In the month of August 1939, a weekly newspaper called 'Forward Bloc' started Then the government attacked the members of the Forward Bloc A quantity was seized and sent to prison.

The war in Europe had now reached its critical stage. Hitler captured all of Western Europe. Italy too was now on the battlefield. Subhash held the Second Forward Bloc Conference in Nagpur in June 1940. In this conference, Subhash gave the people a new slogan 'all power in the hands of Indians'.

On his way from Nagpur to Kolkata, Subhash met Gandhi at Sevagram. However, neither of them knew that it would be their last meeting. Subhash said that this was a very critical time and requested Gandhiji to take the lead in the national struggle even now. But Gandhiji said: 'The external situation is volatile. The atmosphere is violent. This is not the right time for a movement.'

'Bapu, you don't agree with me. This is the misfortune of me as well as the country! But, I am not the only one who sits idly by. Slavery is intolerable to me. One of the tactics is to take advantage of the enemy when he is in trouble. If I can't from within the country, I feel it is my duty to fire the torch of revolution even if I stand on foreign soil! What is the meaning of my birth if I do not do that much to repay the debt of my motherland?' Subhash got very nervous and left after touching Gandhiji's feet.