Second Phase of Left Movement in India

The nationalist uprising under Gandhiji`s leadership made giant strides forward in arousing the masses against imperialist stranglehold in the early 20th century. Thus the CPI suffered both from organizational and ideological articulation during the Gandhian era of the early 20th century. Due to the decisions adopted by Communist International of 1928, the CPI attacked the principles and ideologies of the Indian national Congress. At that time the Congress had boycotted the Simon Commission, adopted the resolution of Purna Swaraj and launched the Civil Disobedience Movement. The CPI sought to distract the popularity of the Congress in these circumstances. In the second phase of the Left Movement they attempted to project a triangular character of contest (a people`s struggle not only against the foreign imperialism but also against the Indian exploiters). It attacked the petty bourgeoisie nationalist leadership of Gandhiji. Gandhiji had been charged as the tool of imperialism and betraying the revolutionary struggle of the masses. It even condemned the Congress left wing as a counter Revolutionary force and a dangerous obstacle to the victory of Indian Nationalism. This tactical approach proved to be totally unrealistic and the Communists found themselves thrown adrift from the political mainstream.