On December 26, the Congress
session was held in Nagpur. Though there were signs of opposition to Gandhi’s
policies, his resolution was passed with an overwhelming majority.
The adoption of the new programme
at Nagpur was the signal to start the mass movement. Gandhi felt that the
complete boycott of all government organizations would give a chance to the
Congress to set up a parallel organization, a State within State, which would
lead India to Swaraj.
The Duke of Connaught was sent to
India in 1921 to try to pacify the Indians. He came to open the four
legislatures in the country which had been introduced as a result of the
reforms announced by the King. His coming and going passed off without any
material change in the attitude of Indians towards Britain.
Gandhi travelled far and wide,
propagating the ideals of non-violence and non-cooperation. Day by day the
Indians were getting more and more excited over carrying out Gandhi’s
programme. Many students left their institutions, many officers resigned from
their poets.