QN 5: Highlight the differences in the approach of Subhas Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom. (CSE Mains 2016)GS-I 2016

Though  Gandhiji and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose wanted the emancipation of India from Colonial rule they differ in their strategy and tactics as well as the vision of what future program should be followed.

Netaji was fierce Nationalist with the revolutionary zeal. Netaji was inspired by the extremist tradition and followed the footsteps of Aurobindo Ghosh. Gandhi was a moderate Nationalist us political maturity and instead guided his actions. Gandhiji was inspired by leaders like Tilak and Tagore and had a Cosmopolitan Outlook.

Netaji believe that Independence could be obtained only by violent outright struggle against the British. Be inspired the young Nationalists with his call for, ”give me blood ,I shall give you freedom”. Gandhiji believed in non violent Satyagraha and was convinced that the might of British colonial administration could be brought down only by mass mobilisation.

Gandhiji and Congress had adopted the strategy of struggle- truce-struggle. He felt that mass struggle could not be sustained indefinitely since the masses had Limited capacity for suffering. When the masters showtimes of Prateek he withdrew the moment. Netaji was opposed to this strategy. He believed in struggle freedom and criticize Gandhiji for withdrawal of non cooperation movement.

Netaji was also inspired by fascism (without the element of racial or Hindu Supremacy). He felt that such a model could be adopted for Indian development. Rapid modernization achieved by Soviet five year plans also appealed to him. Gandhiji was a proponent of village democracy and self rule(spiritual swaraj). He was in favour of Cottage and village industries. Gandhiji was a critique of mass production and viewed industrialisation itself with scepticism.

Despite their differences both Gandhi and Netaji has immense respect for one another. Gandhiji called Netaji as  “Prince among Patriots”. Netaji called Gandhiji as “ The Father of nation” in a 1944 address from Rangoon.