Question

In 1939, Subhas Chandra Bose formed the Forward Bloc. In this context, answer the following questions:

1. Why did Subhas Chandra Bose decide to form a new party?
2. What were the aims and objectives of the new party formed by Subhas Chandra Bose?
3. Mention two main objectives of the Provisional Government of Free India. Name any two countries that recognised the Provisional Government of India formed in Singapore in 1943.

Answer 1

1. Due to his differences with Mahatma Gandhi and the Congress Working Committee, Subhas Chandra Bose resigned as President of Congress in April 1939 and formed the Forward Bloc to unite all the left-wing elements under one banner.
2. The party aimed to organise all the radical and progressive members of Congress to oppose the British government and fight for India's immediate independence. After gaining freedom, the Forward Bloc planned to create a socialist society by:
   1. Reorganising agriculture and industry through state planning.
   2. Abolishing the Zamindari System (landlord system).
   3. Developing a new monetary and credit system. The main goal of the Forward Bloc was India's liberation with the help of workers, peasants, youth, and other organisations.
3. 1. To lead the struggle to expel the British and their allies from Indian soil.
   2. To establish a permanent national government of Azad Hind.
   3. Japan and Germany recognised the Provisional Government of India formed in Singapore.