Page:Speeches And Writings MKGandhi.djvu/779

 IN DEFENCE OF THE BARDOLI DECISIONS.

[The suspension of maiss civil disobedience in Bardoli, which was recommended by the. Working Committee at the instance of Mr. Gandhi, was resented by some of his colleagues and followers. In reply to correspondants who attacked him, he wrote as follows in Young India of February, 23rd.]

A friend from Lahore without giving his name sends me the following thundering note :

" On Tuesday the 14th I read the Tribune and the resolutions therein, passed at the emergency meeting of the All-India Congress Working Committee. On Monday when I came from my office I heard a flying rumour that Mahatmaji had postponed the date of the mass civil disobedience, but at that time I thought the news devoid of foundation. After a short time a friend of mine hawked me at my house and we went to bazaar. His face was somewhat sadder than usual. I enquired of him the reason of his sadness. He said he was utter- ly disgusted and so gave up the idea of following this movement. Mahatmaji was going to give up the lead of this movamsnt and at the same time he had advised all the Provincial Congress Committees not to enrol any more volunteers. No picketing propaganda should be undertaken as long as the special session of the All- India Congress Committee had not confirmed what to do further.

"The people are of this opinion that you have turned your face and become fickle-minded. They will co-operate with the-Government without any hesitation and join the ceremony of His Royal Highness the

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