Belgaum Congress Session of 1924

The 39th annual session of the Indian National Congress held at Belgaum (now Belagavi, Karnataka) in December 1924 remains an important chapter in the history of the Indian freedom struggle. This convention is historically unique as it was the only session of the Indian National Congress ever presided over by Mahatma Gandhi. Coming in the backdrop of the post-Non-Cooperation Movement lull and the deep rift between the Swarajists and the No-Changers, the Belgaum session served as a platform for political reconciliation and the formal integration of constructive work into the national agenda.

Historical Context and Political Background

Following the sudden suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement in February 1922 due to the Chauri Chaura incident, the Congress faced an internal crisis. The party split into two factions: the Swarajists (Pro-Changers) led by Chittaranjan Das and Motilal Nehru, who wanted to enter legislative councils, and the No-Changers led by C. Rajagopalachari and Vallabhbhai Patel, who advocated continuing the boycott and focusing on constructive work. By the time Mahatma Gandhi was released from prison in February 1924 on health grounds, the Swarajists had already won significant seats in the central and provincial councils. Gandhi initially disapproved of council entry but soon recognized the need to prevent another organizational split like the Surat Split of 1907.

Key Agreements and Resolutions

The Belgaum session formally endorsed several structural and political compromises aimed at maintaining organizational unity and broadening the base of the national movement.

The Gandhi-Das Pact of 1924

Before the Belgaum session, Mahatma Gandhi, C.R. Das, and Motilal Nehru signed a joint statement in Calcutta in November 1924, known as the Gandhi-Das Pact. At Belgaum, the Congress officially ratified this agreement.

• Recognition of Swaraj Party: The Swaraj Party was accepted as an integral legislative wing of the Congress, authorized to work inside the legislative councils on behalf of the party.
• Suspension of Non-Cooperation: The civil non-cooperation program was formally suspended, except for the boycott of foreign cloth.

The Spinning Franchise

One of the most radical constitutional amendments introduced by Gandhi at Belgaum was the alteration of Congress membership rules.

• Yarn Franchise: The annual membership fee of four annas introduced at the 1920 Nagpur session was supplemented by a option where a member could contribute 2,000 yards of self-spun cotton yarn monthly instead of cash.
• Promotion of Khadi: Spinning charkha and wearing Khadi were elevated to mandatory duties for Congress office-bearers.

Focus on Social Reforms and Constructive Work

In his presidential address, Gandhi shifted the national focus from pure political agitation to social regeneration. He emphasized three main pillars:

• Removal of Untouchability: Gandhi declared the eradication of untouchability as an indispensable condition for attaining Swaraj.
• Hindu-Muslim Unity: The session emphasized communal harmony following the resurgence of communal riots in the post-1922 period.
• Prohibition: The Congress passed resolutions advocating total prohibition of alcohol and intoxicating drugs.

Key Leaders and Organizational Dynamics

The Belgaum session brought together prominent figures across different political spectrums, facilitating a smooth transition of strategy.

Regional Impact and Legacy in Karnataka

The choice of Belgaum as the venue gave a major boost to the freedom movement in the Kannada-speaking regions. Gangadharrao Deshpande, popularly known as “Lion of Karnataka” (Karnataka Kesari), played a central role in organizing the event. The session spurred the formation of the Karnataka Unification Movement (Karnataka Ekatrika Samiti), linking the freedom struggle with the demand for a unified Kannada-speaking province. The venue of the session was named ‘Vijayanagar’ in honor of the historic Vijayanagara Empire, and a special water well dug for the delegates was named the ‘Pampa Sarovar’.

Facts for Revision

• Year and Month: December 1924.
• Location: Belgaum (Belagavi), Karnataka.
• President: Mahatma Gandhi (the only INC session he ever presided over).
• Chairman of Reception Committee: Gangadharrao Deshpande (“Karnataka Kesari”).
• Key Pact Ratified: Gandhi-Das Pact of November 1924.
• Swaraj Party Status: Officially recognized as the legislative wing of the Indian National Congress.
• Spinning Franchise: 2,000 yards of hand-spun yarn per month was accepted as an alternative subscription for Congress membership.
• Main Social Thrust: Eradication of untouchability, Hindu-Muslim unity, total prohibition, and universal adoption of Khadi.
• Venue Name: Named ‘Vijayanagar’ to commemorate the Vijayanagara Kingdom.
• Historical Outcome: Averted an internal party split and unified the Swarajists and No-Changers under one umbrella.