Gandhi Fasts

In February 1943, Gandhi started a fast as an answer to an exhortation by the government to condemn violence; the fast was directed against the violence of the State. The popular response to the news of the fast was immediate and overwhelming. Protests were organised at home and abroad through hartals, demonstrations and strikes. Three members

of the viceroy’s executive council resigned. The fast achieved the following—

● public morale was raised.

● anti-British feeling was heightened.

● an opportunity was provided for political activity.

● Government’s high-handedness was exposed.

Gandhi got the better of his opponents and refused to oblige by dying.

On March 23, 1943 Pakistan Day was observed.