Relations of the Indian National Congress and Left Politics with Peasants Movements in India

Introduction: The Indian freedom struggle was deeply intertwined with the struggles of the peasantry, who formed a significant part of the population. The Indian National Congress, along with left-wing political groups, played a crucial role in mobilizing peasants and addressing their grievances. This discussion examines the relationship between these political forces and peasant movements during key phases of the freedom struggle, including the Anti-Partition Movement, Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, and Quit India Movement. Additionally, it will briefly explore the Eka Movement and the Bardoli Satyagraha, which highlight the specific concerns of the peasantry.

The Interplay of Congress, Left, and Peasant Movements

The peasant movements in India were not isolated events but were closely linked to the broader political landscape of the freedom struggle. The Indian National Congress, initially dominated by moderate leaders, gradually recognized the importance of peasant mobilization. Left-wing parties, with their focus on class struggle, also played a significant role in organizing and leading peasant movements.

Shared Grievances: Both the Congress and the left-wing groups recognized the common grievances of the peasantry, including high land revenue demands, oppressive landlords, and exploitation by moneylenders.
Mobilization and Organization: These political forces played a crucial role in mobilizing peasants, forming peasant organizations, and articulating their demands.
Political Consciousness: The peasant movements contributed to the growth of political consciousness among rural populations, empowering them to participate in the freedom struggle.
Differing Ideologies: While both the Congress and the left supported peasant causes, their ideologies and approaches differed. The Congress often sought to integrate peasant struggles within the broader nationalist movement, while the left emphasized class struggle and radical land reforms.

Peasant Movements and Key Phases of the Freedom Struggle

1. Anti-Partition Movement in Bengal (1905-1911)

Peasant Participation: The partition of Bengal in 1905 triggered widespread protests, including significant participation from peasants.
Economic Grievances: Peasants in East Bengal, predominantly Muslim, were particularly affected by the partition, as it exacerbated their economic grievances related to landlordism and moneylending.
Congress Leadership: The Congress played a leading role in mobilizing peasants against the partition, highlighting its detrimental impact on their livelihoods.
Early Mobilization: The Swadeshi and Boycott movements associated with the Anti-Partition movement saw early forms of peasant mobilization, especially in the rural regions of Bengal.

2. Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922)

Peasant Uprisings: The Non-Cooperation Movement witnessed widespread peasant uprisings in various parts of India, including Awadh (Uttar Pradesh) and Moplah (Kerala).
Congress Support: The Congress, under Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership, sought to integrate peasant grievances within the broader nationalist movement.
Awadh Kisan Sabha: The Awadh Kisan Sabha, led by Baba Ramchandra, mobilized peasants against oppressive landlords, demanding rent reduction and an end to forced labor.
Moplah Rebellion: The Moplah Rebellion in Kerala, though initially rooted in peasant grievances, took on a communal character, highlighting the complexities of peasant movements.

3. Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934)

Agrarian Discontent: The Civil Disobedience Movement coincided with a period of severe agrarian discontent due to the Great Depression.
No-Rent Campaigns: The Congress launched no-rent campaigns in various regions, mobilizing peasants against high land revenue demands.
Impact on Peasants: The movement had a significant impact on peasants, particularly in Gujarat (Bardoli Satyagraha) and Uttar Pradesh, where they actively participated in protests and demonstrations.
Leftist influence: Leftist leaders and organizations also became more active in supporting peasant causes during this period.

4. Quit India Movement (1942)

Widespread Participation: The Quit India Movement witnessed widespread participation from peasants, particularly in rural areas.
Underground Resistance: Peasants engaged in underground resistance activities, disrupting communication lines, attacking government buildings, and forming parallel governments.
Local Uprisings: Local uprisings, such as the Satara Prati Sarkar in Maharashtra and the Tamluk Jatiya Sarkar in Bengal, demonstrated the active role of peasants in the movement.
Divergent Left Stance: Notably, the Communist Party of India (CPI) initially opposed the Quit India Movement, viewing it as a bourgeois-led movement that would hinder the Allied war efforts against fascism. This created a divergence between the Congress and the left regarding their approach to peasant mobilization during this crucial phase.

Key Peasant Movements

1. Eka Movement (1921-1922)

Region: Primarily active in the United Provinces (present-day Uttar Pradesh).
Causes: The Eka (Unity) Movement was a peasant uprising against the oppressive policies of landlords and the government, including high rents, illegal exactions, and forced labor.
Leadership: While having some local leaders, the movement largely lacked a centralized leadership.
Characteristics: Peasants took oaths of unity and collective action against exploitation. The movement employed non-violent methods of resistance, but at times confrontations with landlords and authorities occurred.
Significance: The Eka Movement demonstrated the widespread agrarian discontent in the aftermath of the Non-Cooperation Movement and the peasants’ willingness to organize and fight for their rights.

2. Bardoli Satyagraha (1928)

Region: Bardoli taluka of Gujarat.
Causes: The Bardoli Satyagraha was a protest against the Bombay Presidency government’s decision to increase land revenue by 30%.
Leadership: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel provided strong leadership to the movement, earning him the title “Sardar.”
Characteristics: The movement was characterized by disciplined non-violent resistance, including refusal to pay the enhanced revenue, social boycotts of government officials, and organized protests.
Significance: The Bardoli Satyagraha was a resounding success for the peasants. The government was forced to reduce the revenue increase, and it highlighted the effectiveness of organized non-violent resistance under strong leadership. It also significantly boosted Patel’s stature as a national leader.