Karachi Session of the Indian National Congress, 1931

The Karachi Session of the Indian National Congress, held in March 1931, stands as one of the most historic and ideologically significant gatherings in the history of India’s freedom movement. Presided over by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, this session is remembered not only for its endorsement of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact but also for its landmark adoption of a resolution that defined the Fundamental Rights and the National Economic Programme—the first comprehensive articulation of the social, economic, and political vision of free India.

Background

The Karachi Session took place in the aftermath of two major events that shaped the course of the national movement:

1. The Civil Disobedience Movement (1930–31):
   • Launched under Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership after the Dandi March, the movement involved mass non-violent protests against British salt laws and other oppressive measures.
   • The movement led to widespread arrests, brutal repression, and civil unrest across the country.
2. The Gandhi–Irwin Pact (March 5, 1931):
   • After prolonged negotiations between Mahatma Gandhi and the then Viceroy, Lord Irwin, an agreement was reached to end the Civil Disobedience Movement temporarily.
   • The pact provided for the release of political prisoners (except those accused of violence), return of confiscated property, and permission to make salt for personal use.
   • In return, the Congress agreed to suspend the movement and participate in the Second Round Table Conference in London.

The Karachi Session was convened to ratify this pact and to deliberate on the future strategy of the national movement.

Venue and Leadership

• Date: 26–31 March 1931
• Location: Karachi (now in Pakistan)
• President: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
• Key Leaders Present: Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, and Sarojini Naidu, among others.

The session was emotionally charged, taking place soon after the execution of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev (March 23, 1931). Their martyrdom cast a sombre mood over the proceedings but also inspired renewed national fervour.

Major Resolutions Passed

The Karachi Session passed several important resolutions that reflected both political pragmatism and progressive vision. The two most significant were:

1. Endorsement of the Gandhi–Irwin Pact

• The Congress formally approved the Gandhi–Irwin Pact, despite internal divisions and opposition from radical leaders.
• Mahatma Gandhi defended the pact as a necessary compromise that demonstrated the moral strength of the national movement and created opportunities for negotiation with the British government.
• The resolution expressed hope that the forthcoming Second Round Table Conference would lead to a peaceful transfer of power.

However, several Congress members, particularly from the socialist and revolutionary wings, criticised the pact for not securing commutation of the death sentences of Bhagat Singh and his associates.

2. Resolution on Fundamental Rights and National Economic Programme

This resolution became the defining feature of the Karachi Session and a precursor to the Directive Principles of State Policy and Fundamental Rights later enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
It laid down a broad framework of social justice, economic equality, and civil liberty, outlining the socio-economic objectives of future governance in free India.

(a) Fundamental Rights

The resolution guaranteed to all citizens of free India the following rights:

• Equality before Law: No discrimination on the basis of caste, creed, or religion.
• Freedom of Speech and Association: Protection of civil liberties and freedom of expression.
• Freedom of Religion: Full religious tolerance and the right to profess and practise any faith.
• Protection of Minorities: Assurance of cultural and educational rights for minorities.
• Universal Adult Franchise: Right to vote for all adults, regardless of gender or social status.
• Abolition of Untouchability: Social equality and dignity for the oppressed classes.
• Equality for Women: Equal rights and opportunities for women in political and economic life.

(b) National Economic Programme

The economic principles adopted at Karachi reflected a pro-poor and welfare-oriented approach, envisioning India as a socially just and economically self-reliant nation. The key points included:

• Nationalisation of Key Industries: Control of major industries, mines, and means of transport by the state in the interest of the public.
• Right to Work and Wages: Guarantees of living wages, limited working hours, and protection for labour.
• Agrarian Reforms: Reduction of land revenue, security of tenure for cultivators, and abolition of landlordism.
• State Ownership of Natural Resources: Land, water, and forests to be used for the benefit of the people.
• Promotion of Cottage and Small-Scale Industries: Encouragement of indigenous industries for rural employment.
• Free and Compulsory Education: Provision for universal education as a state responsibility.
• Social Welfare: State responsibility for protecting children and providing relief against unemployment, sickness, and old age.

These resolutions reflected the socialist inclinations of leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose, combined with Gandhi’s ideals of economic equality and decentralisation.

Emotional and Political Context

The Karachi Session was deeply influenced by the execution of Bhagat Singh and his comrades, which occurred just days before the session opened.

• Leaders and delegates paid homage to the martyrs, and a resolution of condolence was passed.
• The session’s atmosphere was one of both mourning and determination, symbolising the unity between revolutionary and Gandhian streams of nationalism.
• While Gandhi faced criticism for not securing clemency for the revolutionaries, he reiterated his commitment to non-violence and constitutional progress.

Importance and Legacy

The Karachi Session of 1931 occupies a prominent place in India’s freedom movement for several reasons:

1. Blueprint for Independent India:
   • The resolution on Fundamental Rights and Economic Policy was the first explicit vision of a democratic, secular, and welfare-oriented Indian state.
   • It became a guiding document for India’s future Constitution-makers.
2. Balancing Ideals and Realism:
   • The session marked a synthesis between Gandhian idealism and modern democratic socialism, bridging the gap between moderate and radical elements within the Congress.
3. Political Maturity of the Congress:
   • The Congress emerged as not merely a political organisation seeking independence but as a nation-building institution articulating clear principles of governance and citizenship.
4. Inspiration for the Constitution of India:
   • The Karachi Resolution’s provisions on equality, liberty, and socio-economic justice found direct reflection in the Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) in the Constitution of 1950.
5. Public Mobilisation:
   • By adopting a people-centric programme, the Congress broadened its appeal among workers, peasants, and the middle class, reinforcing its position as the representative of all Indians.