Thread by @CPIM_WESTBENGAL

#NetajiSubhashChandraBose born on this day in 1897 had no patience for communal politics. In his book "Indian Struggle" he criticises the Hindu Mahasabha. He writes:
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“The Hindu Mahasabha, like its Moslem counterpart, consisted not only of erstwhile Nationalists, but also of a large number of men who were afraid of participating in a political movement and wanted a safer platform for themselves. (2/n)

The growth of sectarian movements among both Hindus and Moslems accentuated intercommunal tension. The opportunity was availed of by interested third parties who wanted to see the two communities fight, so that the Nationalist forces could be weakened.” (3/n)

Mentored by CR Das, #NetajiSubhashChandraBose made his name in Kolkata politics of 1920s. In the 1930s, he acquired a reputation, nationally, as a radical leader, often taking a different line from Gandhi’s pacifism, and far more influenced by Western ideas. (4/n)

#NetajiSubhashChandraBose was never a doctrinaire communist but he did self-describe as a leftist & a socialist. In his book Indian Struggle, Bose describes a hypothetical “left-wing revolt” within the Congress that would reshape it as a party (5/n)

that will stand for interests of peasants, workers, etc, & not for vested interests, i.e, landlords, capitalists & money-lending classes. This party would also believe in Soviet-style central planning for reorganisation of agricultural & industrial life of the country. (6/n)

#NetajiSubhashChandraBose was a fervent critic of Vinayak #savarkar and strongly objected to the worldview of the Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha which was founded by Madan Mohan Malaviya and described by Bose as a "communal organisation". (7/n)

#NetajiSubhashChandraBose bluntly accused the #HinduMahasabha of being more interested in the downfall of the Congress than in the independence of India. In a March 1940 editotial he wrote that the Mahasabha had colluded with the British in the Calcutta Municipal Election. (8/n)

As Congress President #NetajiSubhashChandraBose oversaw the passage of a resolution barring members from joining "communal organisations like #HinduMahasabha & #MuslimLeague". (9/n)

A major contention between #NetajiSubhashChandraBose & #savarkar was #QuitIndia Movement. #HinduMahasabha joined #MuslimLeague in boycotting #Gandhi's calls to launch 1final struggle to make British leave India. HM went 1step further to actively aid British war effort. (10/n)

In a radio address in Aug 1942 #NetajiSubhashChandraBose admonished the #HinduMahasabha & the #MuslimLeague: "I would request Mr. #Jinnah, Mr. #savarkar, and all those leaders who still think of a compromise with the British, to realise once & for all that in the world of (11/n)

of tomorrow, there will be no British Empire. All those individuals, groups or parties who now participate in the fight for freedom will have an honoured place in the India of tomorrow ... The supporters of British imperialism will naturally become non-entities in a free India"

On April 24, 1924 #Netaji was elected as the CEO of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation. On assuming office he adopted measures to reach services to the lowest strata of the society - those who are dispossessed & marginalised. (13/n)

Education department was launched and several free schools were started to impart education to the poor and make to make it affordable to the general public. Women's education was also given top priority. (14/n)

Dispensaries were opened in every neighbourhood and people were provided with free treatment and medicines.

#Netaji laid special emphasis on the development of slums and potable drinking water was made available to every slum-dweller.
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Another significant contribution of #Netaji was 'municipal socialism'. He first talked about this at feliciation programme organised by Bombay Municipal Corporation on 10 May 1938. He said socialism was the way forward for every civic body to extend services to all & sundry