Historical Figures

47. A revolution does not happen by shouting from a political platform

After the success of Bardoli, Sardar Patel came to be seen as a miracle man. He had done what no one had been able to do before him. The Ghori government of Bombay was seen laying down its arms for the first time. Therefore, wherever Sardar Patel went, people would gather to see him. Now he was a national hero. He was called to deliver speeches, lead movements, preside over meetings and conferences at various places in the country.

In March 1929, Sardar was called to preside over the fifth Kathiawar Political Conference. In those days in many parts of Maharashtra, the government increased the rent unreasonably. The leaders of Kathiawar wanted Sardar not only to come to the conference but in this conference he should announce a movement against the tax hike in Maharashtra and also accepted to lead that movement.

Sardar was aware of the bad condition of the leaders of Kathiawar, so he refused to go. On this the leaders of Kathiawar went to Gandhiji and requested him to order Sardar Patel so that Sardar would preside over the Kathiawar conference. Gandhiji sent the order in the name of Sardar.

Thus Sardar had to go to preside over the Kathiawar Conference. Many resolutions were passed in this conference and finally Sardar was raised to deliver the presidential address. He was also urged to accept the leadership of the agitation against tax hike in Maharashtra. After the success of the Bardoli movement, Sardar became very humble but did not hesitate to speak clearly. That's why he told the Congressmen present in the Kathiawar conference that you have passed many resolutions but they are in vain if they are not implemented.

I see that there are many leaders here but there are no organized and hardworking workers. No struggle is successful unless sacrifices are made for it. He said that I am the son of a farmer, so I do not know how to speak sweetly, but if I try to show you the right path with my words, then I will consider my effort worthwhile. I am of the clear opinion that shouting and shouting from any political platform does not lead to revolution.

In fact, till then the functioning of the Congress was of such a casual attitude in which resolutions were passed from the stage but nothing was done to implement them. Apart from Sardar, the leaders who did small movements and Gandhiji did big movements

They also ended in terrible failures. That's why Patel not only showed the leaders the mirror of truth, but also roamed in Maharashtra for a few days and awakened the national awareness.