அறிஞர் அண்ணாவின் கட்டுரைகள்

MADAME WARNS !

"We do not want such elements in the party as do not agree with its decisions and principles. They should leave the party and stay aloof from it."

Those are brave words, and spoken we are sure with a sincerity. We welcome such a plain talk—which amidst a welter of talks bordering on conundrums, stands out in bold relief.

The talk is important not only because, it is pregnant with possibilities, but also because, it is from the President of the Congress, Mrs. Indra Gandhi.

Madame, before ascending the gadi, was reported to have been much in the company of what is termed as the 'ginger group' in the Congress. As if by way of confirming that news, Mrs. Indra Gandhi, now and then made speeches spiced with, what might be termed as leftist views.

We do not know whether, the Congress President, is bent on changing the "Official Congress" views on various problems, or is going to fall in line with the official view. But, this much is to be welcomed—the point-blank talk.

'Depart, you dissidents!'—Seems to be the order of the day, issued by Mrs. Gandhi.

Mrs. Gandhi had to administer such plain talk, because, after the Nagpur session, sharp differences of opinion arose among Congressmen and some of those who thought that they could afford to express their difference of opinion, did so.

They could have and ought to have, expressed their opinion, at the Congress session—if they were at all serious and sincere in their line of thought. But though some of them fumbled out feeble opposition—when once Pandit Nehru stood up to chastise, they were all of them cowed down.

The resolutions were passed!

Opinions contrary to Pandit Nehru's views, had to go under-ground!

Pandit Nehru naturally would have thought with pleasure and pardonable pride, that before him all opposition had vanished into thin air.

Likewise, we are afraid, most of those, who stood out to oppose, on scenting out the fact that the Pandit was in a temper, thought it prudent to feign a surrender rather than remonstrate and get exposed.

Some of them who know Pandit Nehru intimately, know this much: Pandit Nehru demands submission to his opinion, and takes particular pleasure in that; but after submission, he favours them all, with rich concessions, nice adjustments and charming compromises—even though these might jeopardise those resolutions for which he put forth a heroic fight and got victory.

What is of supreme importance to Pandit Nehru, is, not how these resolutions should become realities, but how to register a victory at the sessions.

Like the monarchs of old, he would first demand his opponent to surrender—but afterwards would make him become his ally—the Commander of his own Legion.

Those who are well conversant with Pandit Nehru's psychology, feigned a submission and they hope to get out of him, concessions enough to nullify his resolutions.

But there are others, who think that they should speak out—and some of them have spoken. It is to them that the President has issued a stern note—'Remain to register your approval, if you differ, depart!'
We do not know, what kind of reaction there is going to be, after this remark.

But, what is of interest, is, not what will happen in the near future, but an entirely different aspect—the past.
One may be permitted to ask Madame, why is it and how is it that people who are not able to see eye to eye with the known Congress principles found their way into the Congress-fold! Did those 'doubting Thomases' sneak into the Congress party—or were most of them 'roped' into the Congress by the 'canvassers' during the elections? We are confident of proving that in eight out of ten cases, it was a case of ‘roping in’ rather than of sneaking in.

Madame should know that Pandit Nehru's lieutenants—even those top-men at State level—went about netting any catch, just to swell their basket.

Elections ought to be won—and whoever could afford to get victory by hook or crook were welcomed!

They need not be convinced about the principles held dear by the Congress. Even if they were opposing the Congress till yesterday, it did not matter. If they had the means to face the elections, they were welcomed. They could be the sworn foes of Socialism! Let them be! They would be pooh-poohing most of the ideals held sacred by the official Congress! That does not matter. If they were ready with the sinews of war, they were welcomed!!

What did Pandit Nehru do on being told—he simply refused to pull up his lieutenants—for, he was immensely interested in not how the recruiting takes place, but only in the election results.

So these ten years have been busy years for the Congress canvassing agents—and they have succeeded to a remarkable degree, in swelling the ranks of the Congress and registering dazzling victories on the election front.

We do not for one moment suggest, that no new-comer is to be taken into the fold of the Congress. We but point out that mercenaries who have no confidence in the Socialistic principles of the Congress, have entered that camp—or rather have been roped in by the canvassing agents of the Congress.

This has not strengthened the Congress—could not.

Most of them thought that here was a fine opportunity for getting the Congress on a hire-purchase system!

Why should we oppose the Congress, when it is ready to befriend us, oblige us and accommodate us?

A rich, long and valorous history—of struggle and suffering, of sacrifice and heroism, is being placed in our hands, why should we not employ that weapon, for our benefit—thought those, who are adapts in the art of utilising to the utmost all opportunities that come on their way!

Should Madame be in need of illustrations to prove our argument, she has only to skip over the list of Congress M.L.A.s, Congress candidates for the Municipal elections! They are selected not on the basis of their service and loyalty to the Congress party, but on the assurance given by them, that they would place their all and win the elections.

'Who could deny admission to the new-comers, if they come convinced'—Madame might be tempted to ask. None could and nobody would object. But they are being recruited, just for election purposes—they don on khadi for the first time—for them Haripura and Tiripura mean nothing—for them anything other than elections is meaningless—and they are the people who occupy the Congress camp today.

Is that the way to strengthen a party—its principles?

If Mrs. Indra Gandhi, takes the trouble to wade through the various lists—it would be hard task, of course—she would find that the Congress party has been lent to serve the interests of self-seekers and job-hunters.

Madame is furious and rightly so, at those who express objection to the Nagpur resolutions. We would hasten to say, that such open criticism is to be welcomed, tolerated and answered! There can be absolutely no danger in that. But most of those who crowd the Congress today, are not of that sort. They would not speak out—for they believe in sabotage—and they have succeeded to some extent in that. They know the art of cajolery and flattery. They stoop but to conquer! And they have been benefited in diverse ways.

Political morality has gone to the lowest ebb, because of such unholy alliances.

If Madame is intent upon strengthening the Congress, she need not issue threats to those who voice forth their objections—like Prof.Ranga, they would walk out—but Mrs.Gandhi should be careful about those who have become 'Congressmen'.

What is Madame going to do, about them?

Nothing! For, if once Madame begins purging those elements, daddy would become friendless, lonely and perhaps furious.

(Editorial - 29-03-1959)