UGC NET History: Swaraj Party Important Events in Chronological Order

Arrange the following according to chronology:

A. Vithalbhai Patel became the Speaker of the Central Legislative Assembly
B. Swarajists defeated the Public Safety Bill
C. Swarajist Manifesto for Elections
D. Gaya session of the Congress

Options

(A) D, C, A, B
(B) A, B, C, D
(C) C, A, D, B
(D) B, C, D, A

Answer: (A) D, C, A, B

Explanation of Chronology

D. Gaya Session of the Congress – 1922
The Gaya Session of the Indian National Congress was held in December 1922.

This session became historically important because differences emerged within the Congress after the suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement. The Swaraj Party was eventually formed following disagreements over council entry.

Leaders like C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru supported entering legislative councils, while the “No-Changers” opposed the idea.

C. Swarajist Manifesto for Elections – 1923
After the formation of the Swaraj Party, the Swarajists released their election manifesto in 1923 to contest legislative council elections.

The manifesto emphasized:

• Entering councils to obstruct colonial governance

• Exposing weaknesses of British constitutional reforms

• Advancing the nationalist movement through legislative methods

This marked the beginning of organized parliamentary opposition within colonial institutions.

A. Vithalbhai Patel Became Speaker – 1925
Vithalbhai Patel became the Speaker (President) of the Central Legislative Assembly in 1925.

His election was significant because:

• He became the first Indian elected to this prestigious position

• It demonstrated the growing influence of Indian representatives in legislative politics

• It reflected the success of Swarajist participation in councils

B. Swarajists Defeated the Public Safety Bill – 1928
In 1928, the Swarajists played an important role in defeating the Public Safety Bill in the Central Legislative Assembly.

The bill aimed to curb nationalist and revolutionary activities by giving greater powers to the colonial government.

The defeat of the bill highlighted:

• The effectiveness of legislative opposition

• The growing strength of nationalist politics inside councils

• The parliamentary success of the Swaraj Party

Conclusion

The correct chronological order is (A) D, C, A, B. These events trace the rise of the Swaraj Party from its origins in the Gaya Session to its growing influence in legislative politics and its successful opposition to colonial measures such as the Public Safety Bill.

What Was the Swaraj Party Strategy?

The Swaraj Party adopted the strategy of entering legislative councils to oppose British rule from within the colonial political system.

Unlike leaders who favored boycotting councils, the Swarajists believed that:

• Legislative platforms could be used to challenge colonial policies

• Government functioning could be obstructed

• Nationalist demands could gain wider visibility

This approach became an important phase in India’s constitutional and political struggle during the 1920s.

Important Facts for UGC NET Exam