Netaji’s Presence Could Have Avoided Partition But May Have made India Leftist!

Subhash Chandra Bose’s disappearance from the world arena is still shrouded in mystery. But speculations continue on what would have happened if he had been alive and active for India’s independence.

No Partition: Subhash Chandra Bose had a mass following among Muslims. He could have been accepted by the Muslim League leaders including Jinnah who were spearheading the Pakistan movement. His presence would have stalled the partition of India as at that time Congress lacked a credible leader with mass support among Muslims to counter radical elements.

Socialist path: Subhash Chandra Bose presence would have provided a more aggressive socialist left path to the country. He was a follower of socialism and his party Forward Block was also socialist. Under him, India’s state policy would have leaned towards the Socialist ideals. India could have become a leftist nation under him.

Armed Struggle: Subhash Chandra Bose’s presence would have resulted in an escalation of armed struggle against the British.

Force Against Congress: The presence of Subhash Chandra Bose would have provided an alternative to the Congress. He had already formed Forward Block after resigning from the Congress.

Foreign Policy: Indian foreign policy could have been more Russia-oriented after independence as Bose was more linked to socialism and was opposed to America and Britain.

There can be numerous Ifs and Buts when it comes to a personality like Subhas Chandra Bose. We should pay homage to the role of such stalwarts in Indian History, rather than comparing the great freedom fighters against each other through the lens of the present.