With reference to the CWC meeting at Wardha (1939), consider the following statements:

1. Gandhi advocated unconditional support to the allied powers, whereas Subhas Chandra Bose and J L Nehru was against it.

2. The CWC passed a resolution that India cannot be a party to the war and INC was not in support of the war. Which of the above statements is/are correct?

Solution

· Statement 1 is correct: At the meet different opinions were voiced on question of Indian support to war: Gandhi advocated unconditional support to the British and the allied powers as he made a clear distinction between democratic states of the Western Europe and totalitarian Nazis. Subhas Chandra Bose was strictly against supporting either of the two sides as both sides were fighting for gaining or defending colonial territories and hence the war was based on imperialism. He in fact advocated for taking advantage of the situation and immediately start civil disobedience movement to gain freedom. J L Nehru made a sharp distinction between democracy and fascism, He believed that war was the result of inner contradictions of capitalism maturing since the end of World War I and advocated for no participation of the Indians till Indian itself is free. · Statement 2 is correct: The following resolution was passed by the CWC India could not be a party to the war being fought ostensibly for democratic freedom, while freedom was being denied to India. If Britain is fighting for democracy and freedom, it should prove it by ending Imperialism in its colonies and granting them democracy. The government should declare its war aims soon, and also, as to how the principles of democracy were to be applied to India.