"The phrase socialistic economy popularised at the time of the Avadi session of the Congress has become a national dope to dull one's sense of intelligence and discrimination."
—writes the 'Hitavada' of Nagpur. And there are any number of illustrations to prove the point that the tall talk about 'Socialism' is only to supply a sort of dope to the people.

Take for instance the composition of enterprises during the plan period.

The amount invested by the government of India in the Public enterprise is Rs.57 crores, whereas the amount that capitalists were able to invest in Private Enterprise is Rs.340 crores.

This, they think, is credential enough to prove that they are taking the country along the path of Socialism and they have got the cheeks to say that since they are such good Socialists, none need organise any party for forging Socialism.

Some at least of conscience-stricken Congressmen would be pained at this picture—but the Statistician in the Ministerial arena would offer an explanation, by quoting the figures for the Second plan period. In the Second plan period Public Sector is to get Rs.500 crores! Well, that is a colossal amount, is it not? We have bridged the gap! So no more grumbling—would the Minister argue.

But the Private Sector is not lagging behind. A sum of Rs.570 crores is to be harnessed to the Private Sector. So the over-all picture would be, not socialistic!

And if one analyses how the colossal amount is utilised in the Public Sector, he could find out the glaring truth, that we are not on the path of Socialism.

Out of the Rs.500 crores in the public sector, Rs.350 crores are for Steel works, —so only a small amount is to be harnessed to other enterprises—and there the Private Sector holds sway.

This is the kind of Socialism, that we are asked to munch.

Let us look at the problem from another angle. Socialism denotes eradication of the evils of an exhibitionism of luxury, pomp and paraphernalia.

It is not 'Socialism' to squander the peoples' money over palaces and pleasure resorts. While the masses are herded in hovels, it is not, only unsocialistic but even inhuman on the part of the Congress Government to spend colossal amounts on artificial lakes, palaces and the like.

Here is what the 'Times of India' says:—
"Not long ago the Punjab Government bought—it is being sharply criticised for it—a palace in Patiala for Rs. 30 lakhs for the ostensible reason of housing a museum in it. And now the Madras Government has taken over Jodhpur palace in Ottacamund at a cost of five lakhs and fifty thousand rupees.

It is said that the palace is a wonderful place for holding conferences and meetings. Perhaps it is. The ECAFE held its annual session in it in 1948. But how many such conferences are likely to be held in the State every year? And why should all of them be held at Ottacamund? The State Governments always say that they are poor. It is hard to believe them judging by this mania for the grand buildings."

We should remind the readers that the problem of 'pavement dwellers' remains unsolved for want of funds. But the Madras Government is now the proud owner of the Aranmore Palace. Perhaps the first Conference would be held at that Palace to solve the problem of the Pavement Dwellers.

An artificial lake has been built at Chandigarh at a cost of 92 lakhs. In answer to a question asked in the Punjab Assembly about the fees paid to 2 French architects the reply was that they were so far paid Rs. 9 lakhs and Rs. 25 lakhs—pints out Acharya Kripalani.

And the Congress leaders are not tired of asking the Acharya to disband his Praja Socialist Party, as there is not need for a Socialist party at all, since the Congress itself is busy launching Socialism.

The 'Hindustan Standard' has got a correct reading of the Congress mentality:—
"The Congress legislators in the twenties stubbornly refused year after year to vote for Governors and Viceroys, Carpets, Body-guards, Bands and other perquisites of pomp and luxury. We should be shocked to be told now that the demands they voted down, not because they were opposed to pomp and luxury, but because they envied the British Governors and Viceroys who enjoyed these. The homage that hypocrisy pays to great ideals can go no further if Gandhiji's heirs disown their past and defend in the name of dignity all the extravagance they had once condemned.

They were loud in their condemnation of pomp and luxury, paraphernalia and panderings, during the British Regime. But in their heart of hearts, they were merely envying the Britishers and when the change came they are rolling in luxury."

We of the D.M.K., stoutly refused to the proposal mooted by the party in power, to hold the Assembly sessions at Ooty during the summer. This exodus, has been condemned times without number, by the Congress; but unashamedly, it is now proposing the Exodus. The D.M.K. refused to assent to this exhibitionism and the funny part of it, is, the leader of the House, condemned the D.M.K., for refusing to accept the proposal to go to Ooty and escape the scorching Sun.

Likewise, the D.M.K. raised its voice of protest and condemnation against the colossal amount spent for the Governorship. And for this the Leader of the House hurled hot and uncharitable remarks against the D.M.K.

As the 'Hindustan Standard' rightly puts it they condemned these pomp and luxury only out of envy and not out of any principle. They are now busy hugging at these pompous luxuries. Make hay while the Sun shines, but cannot they at least cease insulting the people by saying that the Congress is wedded to the principle of Socialism?

They have proved by their deeds, that after all, the Avadi resolution about Socialism, is but a dope!

(Sub-Editorial - 20-04-1958)