The year 1939 was a turning point in the nationalist movement due to ideological clashes within the Congress and the emergence of new radical groups. The Tripuri Session and the formation of the Forward Bloc reflected growing differences in strategy and leadership.
Tripuri Session (March 1939)
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The Congress session was held at Tripuri (Madhya Pradesh).
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Subhas Chandra Bose was re-elected as Congress President by defeating Gandhi’s candidate, Pattabhi Sitaramayya.
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Gandhi and his supporters, however, refused to cooperate with Bose.
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Due to opposition from the Gandhian wing, Bose resigned from the Congress presidency shortly after his victory.
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This exposed the split between the left-wing radicals and the Gandhian moderates within the Congress.
Formation of Forward Bloc (May 1939)
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After resigning, Subhas Chandra Bose founded the Forward Bloc in May 1939 within the Congress.
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Its aim was to consolidate all left-wing forces to bring radical changes in the struggle for independence.
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The Forward Bloc emphasized immediate and complete independence, mass mobilization, and socialist policies.
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It also sought to build support among peasants, workers, and youth for a more militant approach.
Significance
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The Tripuri Session highlighted ideological divisions in the Congress over methods of struggle.
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The Forward Bloc gave a platform to radical nationalists dissatisfied with the Gandhian approach.
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Subhas Chandra Bose later took a more militant path, eventually forming the Indian National Army (INA) during World War II.
Key Takeaway
The Tripuri Session and the formation of the Forward Bloc marked the rise of a radical alternative within the national movement, challenging the dominance of the Gandhian strategy and paving the way for more militant nationalist actions under Subhas Chandra Bose.