द इण्डियन स्ट्रगल / भारतीय स्वाधीनता संग्राम (नेताजी सुभाष चन्द्र बोस - ऐतिहासिक विश्लेषण)

DESHBANDHU C. R. DAS IN POWER 127
confined himself to the Khadi campaign, having retired from
the political movement which was under, the control of the
Swarajist leaders. The memory of the negotiations in
December 1921, had left an impression on the official mind
that it was possible to come to an understanding with the
Deshbandhu if the major issues were tackled in an earnest
and sincere manner. Lord Lytton personally had a very
high appreciation of him as a man. And at the time no
official felt the pressure of the popular movement more than
the Governor of Bengal did. In those days, to settle with the
Congress, meant to settle with Deshbandhu C. R. Das.
Therefore, unknown to the outside world, negotiations between
the Deshbandhu and the Governor of Bengal, Lord Lytton,
went on for some months.
With his shrewd political instinct, the Deshbandhu
thought of making use of the public feeling roused by the
arrests of October 1924. He appealed at once for a fund to
be used for national reconstruction. The economic situation
in the country was not favourable and many people thought
that the response to the appeal would be disappointing. But
the leader knew better. In spite of unfavourable forecasts,
he had a very good response and that was a further proof of
public confidence in him. At the end of the year, the annual
session of the Congress was held at Belgaum in Bombay
Presidency. This Congress was presided over by Mahatma
Gandhi and it was the last Congress attended by the Desh-
bandhu. The proceedings were marked by extreme cordiality
between the Mahatma and the Swarajists. The principal
programme of work adopted for the coming year was the
extension of home-spinning and home-weaving and it was
enjoined on every member of the Congress to produce a
certain quantity of yarn as his membership subscription. The
only other significant fact about the Belgaum Congress was
the attempt of Mrs. Annie Besant to get her Commonwealth
of India Bill ratified by the Congress. This Bill, which was
to confer Home Rule on India, had been drafted by her and
her intention was to have it introduced in the British Parlia-
ment as a private Bill. She felt that her hands would be
considerably strengthened if the Congress gave the stamp of