Quit India Movement

Why is in news? Rajya Sabha pays homage on the 81st Anniversary of 'Quit India Movement’

On 8th August 1942, Mahatma Gandhi called to end British rule and launched the Quit India Movement at the session of the All-India Congress Committee in Mumbai.

Gandhiji gave the call “Do or Die” in his speech delivered at the Gowalia Tank Maidan, now popularly known as August Kranti Maidan.

Aruna Asaf Ali popularly known as the 'Grand Old Lady' of the Independence Movement is known for hoisting the Indian flag at the Gowalia Tank Maidan in Mumbai during the Quit India Movement.

The slogan ‘Quit India’ was coined by Yusuf Meherally, a socialist and trade unionist who also served as Mayor of Mumbai. Meherally had also coined the slogan “Simon Go Back”.

Other important members part of the movement includes Ram Manohar Lohia, Usha Mehta, Biju Patnaik, Sucheta Kriplani, Jai Prakash Narayan.

Muslim League, the Communist Party of India and the Hindu Mahasabha did not support the movement.

Causes for the movement:

Failure of Cripps mission

India’s involvement in world war-II without prior consultation

The arrival of Japanese armies on Indian borders

Prevalence of anti-British sentiments

The rising prices and shortages in food supplies

The different opinion within the congress

Phases of the movement:

First Phase: Strikes, boycotts, and picketing (protesting) were all part of the urban uprising’s first phase, which was promptly put an end to. Workers supported the protests by staying away from the factories during the nationwide strikes and demonstrations.

Second Phase: The focus shifted to the countryside, where there was a significant peasant uprising that was characterized by the destruction of communication infrastructure, including railroad tracks and stations.

Third Phase: In the final stage, national governments or parallel governments in discrete areas came into being (Ballia, Tamluk, Satara, etc.).

Major activities:

There were hartals and processions all around the nation during the movement. With firings, lathi charges, and arrests, the British government had enacted its horror.

Violence was used by protesters as they stormed governmental structures, destroyed railroad tracks, and interfered with postal and telegraph services.

The movement was violently suppressed by the British – people were shot, lathi-charged, villages burnt and enormous fines imposed.

Numerous altercations with the police took place. Any news regarding the migration could not be published, according to the British authorities.

By the end of 1942, there were about 60,000 prisoners and hundreds had perished.

After all of this, Gandhiji embarked on a 21-day fast after being freed from prison in 1944.

Fortunately, Britain's position had significantly changed by the end of World War II, making it impossible for them to reign over India.

Women took active participation in the movement. Female leaders like Usha Mehta helped set up an underground radio station which led to the awakening about the movement.

A greater sense of unity and brotherhood emerged due to the Quit India Movement.

Many students dropped out of schools and colleges, people gave up their jobs and withdrew money from the banks.

It changed the nature of political negotiations with the British, ultimately paving the way for India's independence.

Meanwhile, Subhas Chandra Bose organised the Indian National Army and the Azad Hind government from outside the country.

Many Congress members like C Rajagopalachari resigned from the provincial legislature as they did not favour Mahatma Gandhi's idea.

Resolution of the movement:

An immediate end to British rule over India.

Declaration of the commitment of free India to defend itself against all kinds of imperialism and fascism.

Formation of a provisional government of India after British withdrawal.

Sanctioning a civil disobedience movement against British rule.