After the Cripp’s Mission return to England, Gandhiji made an appeal to the British administration to quit India. On 8th Aug 1942, at the session of the All India Congress Working Committee at Bombay, a proposal was passed saying, “Britishers, Quit India”. This resolution was passed with the words that the end of the British rule was essential for India and its friendly nations’ ideal. With the resolution having been passed Gandhiji said, “Do or Die” for freedom. On 9th Aug. 1942, the Quit India movement was started.
Reasons for the failure of Quit India movement:
1. Want of well – organised planning:
The planning of the movement was not well organised. Gandhiji believed that at the threat of the movement, the British government would be ready for making a favorable pact. But the British government arrested Gandhiji and other important leaders of the Congress. The result was that, the movement, in the absence of good leadership, lost its direction and the enthusiasm of the people grew cold.
2. Want of co – operation of the Indian bureaucracy and officials:
The Indian officers in police, military and various other departments remained loyal to their masters. The bureaucrats and other administrative officers worked more faithfully. Cooperation from Indian officers was not there, so the enthusiasm of the public chilled down soon.
3. Want of power and resources as compared to the preparedness of the British government:
The public and the satyagra his were almost unarmed and ill – equipped, they could not face the power and the preparedness of the British government. Mere peace and non – violence of the satyagra his was not enough to conquer the brutality of the British armed forces.
4. Suppressive policy of the government:
The government was fully prepared to suppress the movement. The Satyagra his believed in conquering violence with non¬violence and love. Mere moral teaching of love and forbearance cannot win over violence immediately. So, physical power and the armed police succeeded in over – powering the public.
