Formation
- The Swaraj Party or the Congress-Khilafat Swaraj Party, was a political party formed in India on 1 January 1923 after the Gaya annual conference in December 1922 of the National Congress.
- It was formed by CR Das.
Background for Formation
- After Effects of Suspension of Non-Cooperation Movement
- After the suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement, two groups emerged within Congress that were No-Changers and Pro-Changers.
- The No Changers supported carrying out constructive works and Pro Changers (Swarajists) under CR Das wanted to enter the council through election.
- This difference in opinion led to the breaking away of CR Das from Congress and forming the Swaraj party in 1922.
Objectives of the Swaraj party
- Speedy attainment of dominion status.
- Obtaining the right to frame a constitution adopting such machinery and system as are most suited to the conditions of the country and of its people.
- Establishing control over the bureaucracy.
- Obtaining full provincial autonomy.
- Attaining Swarajya (self-rule).
- Getting people the right to control the existing machinery and system of government.
- Organising industrial and agricultural labour.
- Controlling the local and municipal bodies.
- Having an agency for propaganda outside the country.
- Establishing a federation of Asian countries to promote trade and commerce.
- Engaging in the constructive programmes of the Congress.
Methods Used
- Obstructed all government-sponsored laws to destroy the prestige of the councils.
Achievements
- The Swarajists emerged as the single largest party in the Central Assembly, Bombay, and Bengal Councils in 1923.
- The Swarajists played a significant role in keeping the spirit of anti-British protests alive.
- The Swarajists exposed the weaknesses of the Montagu-Chelmsford reforms.
Reasons for Decline
- The years 1925-27 saw demoralisation and eventual decline of the Swarajists.
- Split in the party – The death of CR Das in 1925 led to a split in the party.
- Responsivists (M M Malaviya, Lala Lajpat Rai, N C Kelkar) who wanted to cooperate with the government and hold office.
- Non-responsivists (Motilal Nehru) withdrew from legislatures in 1926.