Syama Prasad Mukherjee in 1942. Thread.
Hindu Mahasabha offically boycotted the Quit India Movement launched in 1942.
In a letter to the Governor of Bengal, he told the British:
‘Let me now refer to the situation that may be created in the province as a result of any widespread movement launched by the Congress
In a letter to the Governor of Bengal, he told the British:
‘Let me now refer to the situation that may be created in the province as a result of any widespread movement launched by the Congress
Anybody, who during the war, plans to stir up mass feeling, resulting internal disturbances or insecurity, must be resisted by any Government that may function for the time being’
At this time he was part of Hindu Mahasabha and Muslim League alliance government in Bengal.
He told the British how their government would make every possible effort to defeat the Quit India Movement.
He told the British how their government would make every possible effort to defeat the Quit India Movement.
He wrote:
‘The question is how to combat this movement (Quit India) in Bengal? The administration of the province should be carried on in such a manner that in spite of the best efforts of the Congress, this movement will fail to take root in the province.
‘The question is how to combat this movement (Quit India) in Bengal? The administration of the province should be carried on in such a manner that in spite of the best efforts of the Congress, this movement will fail to take root in the province.
It should be possible for us, especially responsible Ministers, to be able to tell the public that the freedom for which the Congress has started the movement, already belongs to the representatives of the people. In some spheres, it might be limited during the emergency.
Indians have to trust the British, not for the sake for Britain, not for any advantage that the British might gain, but for the maintenance of the defense and freedom of the province itself.
You, as Governor, will function as the constitutional head of the province and will be guided entirely on the advice of your Minister.’
During Mukherjee's resignation speech, however, he characterised the policies of the British government towards the movement as "repressive"
Though he did get disillusioned with the Mahasabha after Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination and quit it in 1948.
One of his reasons for his leaving was the rejection of his proposal to allow non-Hindus to become members.
One of his reasons for his leaving was the rejection of his proposal to allow non-Hindus to become members.
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