Introduction:
The development of Maharashtra rests on
the reforms in terms of social, political and economic spheres, which has a
background more than hundred years. The 18th and 19th
century witnessed reformations and awakening among the masses. Mahatma Jotiba
Phule, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, these two reformists led the society towards the
social equality and social development. Mahatma Jotiba Phule established Satyashodhok
Samaj for social development of Non- Brahmins. After Phule, this movement
turned into political force and thus was recognized as Non-Brahmin movement or Bhuganwadi.
The leaders such as Keshavrao Jedhe and Shankarao provided the leadership to
this political movement. After 1930 this movement appeared to be merging into
Indian National Congress and obtained
Bhujanwadi face. This transformation was a bench mark in
social-political movement in Maharashtra. This movement provided new leadership
to state politics and other development areas like education and cooperative
sectors. Yashwantrao Chavan was followers of M.N Roy who came forward from rural area and
provided leadership for a state. He became Chief-Minister of Maharashtra-Gujarat
bilingual state in 1956 and after that he remained in power till 1962 in new
formed state of Maharashtra. During the Indo-China war he was the part of
national politics and provided his contributions to the Central Government.
Yashwantrao Chavan was a good orator,
writer, and a man of action. He wrote several articles books and delivered his
speeches on national and international platforms. He gave his ideas about
democracy socialism, equality, and economic, social and educational
development. His writing was published abundantly in Marathi, English and Hindi
languages. As his speeches revolved around his political thinking, the
researcher intends to explore political thinking of Yashwantrao Chavan.
Brief biography of Y. B. Chavan:
Yashwantrao Chavan was born in a
Maratha_ Hendre Patil family on 12
March 1913 in the village of Devrashtre in Sangli District of Maharashtra. He lost his father in his
early childhood and was brought up by his uncle and mother. Despite the adverse
family situation, Chavan was an active participant in the struggle for
independence of India. In 1930, he was fined for his participation in the
Non-cooperation movement led by Mahatma Gandhi. During this period he came in
contact with Swami Ramanand Bharti,
Dhulappa Navale, Gaurihar Sihasane, Vittalrao Page and Govind Wani. Their friendship lasted forever. In
1932 , he was sentenced to 18 months in prision for hoisting the Indian flag in
Satara. Chavan obtained his B.A .
degree in history and political science from University of
Bombay in 1938.In this period, he was involved in many social activities and
was closely associated with the Congrss pary and Keshavrao Jedhe. In 1940, he
became President of Satara District Congess.
He was one of the delegates at the Bombay session of the A.I.C.C. in
1942 that gave the call for Quit India and he was subsequently arrested for his
participation in the movement. Chavan was finally released from jail in 1944.
In 1946, he was first elected as Member of Legislative Assembly of the
Bombay State from Satara constituency. In the same year he was appointed as
parliamentary secretary to the Home Minister of Bombay State. In the next
government of Morarji Desai he was appointed as Minister of Civil Supplies, Social Welfare and
Forests. In 1953 he was a signatory to the Nagpur Pact that assured equitable
development of all regions what is now the state of Maharashtra. In 1957
Yashwantrao Chavan was elected from the
Karad constituency. This time he elected as Leader of Congress Legislative Party
and became Chief Minister of the bilingual Bombay state. From 1957 to 1960 he
also served on the All India Congress Working Committee. He was one of the
architects in the formation of Marathi speaking state of Maharashtra, although
never joined the Samyukta Maharashtra
Samiti. On 1, May 1960, Yashwantrao Chavan became the first Chieif Minister of
Maharashtra.
After the resignation of Krishna Menon as Defence Minister in 1962 in
the wake of India-China Border conflict, Yashwantrao Chavan was given that
portfolio by Prime minister J awahralal Nehru. He handled the delicate post-war
situation firmly and took several decisions to empower the armed forces and
negotiated, along with Pandit Nehru, with China to end the hostilities. He also
held the Defense portfolio in Lal Bahdur Shastri Government during the
Indo-Pakistan War of September 1965.On the 14th November 1966, he
was appointed Home Minister of India by Prime minister , Indira Gandhi. On 26
June 1970, She appointed him the Finance Minister of India and the Foreign Minister on 11
October 1974. In June 1975, an Internal State Emergency was declared in India
by the Indira Gandhi Government. This period saw a server crackdown on the
leaders and parties opposed to Mrs. Gandhhi’s rule. Yashwantrao remained in her
Government during this period. In the subsequent general election 1977, the
Congress was routed with party leaders and Prime minister, Indira Gandhi
herself losing her parliamentary seat. Therefore in the new Parliament, Chavan
was elected the Congress Party Parliamentary
leader and he became the leader of opposition.
At the end of 1978, at its annual
session in Bangalore, the Congress split into two namely, Congress (Indira)
Congress (Urs). The important leaders who joined the Congress (Urs) were Devraj Urs, Dev Kant Baruah, K.
Brahmananda Reddy, A. K. Anotony, Shard Pawar, Priyaranjan Das Munshi and
Yashwantrao Chavan. On the other side,
Indira Gandhi established her own party christened Congress (I) and C
Subramaniam, A. R. Antule and Gulabrao Patil. Yashwantrao Chavan’s political
career suffered a major setback following his decision to move away from Indira
Gandhi. Congress (Urs) disintegrated and Devraj
Urs himself joined the Janta
Party and Congress (Urs) renamed the
Indian Congress (Socalist). He was appointed as Home Minister and Deputy Prime
Minister of India in the short –lived
cabinet of Prime Minister Charn Sing in
1979.In the general election of January 1980, Congress (I) won a majority in Lok
Sabha and came to power to under the leadership of Indira Gandh. In this 1981,
Yashwantrao Chavan returned to Congress
(I). In 1982 he was appointed the Chairman of 8th Finance Commission
Literature:
Yashwantrao Chavan took a keen interest in literature. He established
the Marathi Sahitya Mandal and supported the Sahitya activities. He
initiated compilation of Marathi Vishwakosh. For this, he nominated Tarkteerth
Laksman Shastri Joshi as chairman. He planned to write his autobiography in
three parts. The first part cover his early years in Satara District. Since his
native place is situated on the banks of Krishana River he named the first
volume as “ Krishana Kath”. His years as were spent in Mumbai and so the proposed
name for second volume was “Sagar Tir”.Later 1962 he was appointed Defense Minister
of India by Nehru. From then he was in New Delhi until his death in 1984; so proposed
the name “Yamuna Katth” for his third volume. He was able to complete and publish only the
first volume. Apart from this he delivered several lectures, speeches on
development, education, economic policies, foreign affairs etc.[1 ]
Political Thinking of Y. B.
Chavan:
Yashwantrao Chavan was come forward from rural
area with Congress culture. He developed his political and social career with
freedom fighters and intellectual leaders. Beginning of his career he was
associated with M. N Roy group in Maharashtra. After that he was connected with
Congress leadership. Truly, he was followers of Pandit Jawahralal Nehru and his
idea of democratic socialism. So he was advocate of Democracy and Socialism in
his political life. After 1955 he provided a good leadership to state of
Maharashtra. And he proved different leadership qualities in his tuner. He
developed a new model for state and gave the specific direction to others.
After 1960 to 1980 he was the main
leader who controlled on
politics of Maharashtra. There were several ideas created by him. I want
to focus on some ideas of Yashwantrao Chavan.
1.
Democratic
Socialism: Democratic Socialism was for Y. B. Chvan and entire life he gave
supports to this concept. This concept came forward through our freedom
struggle and the efforts from Pandit Nehru. The Nehru implemented Democratic
Socialism in Indian politics while Chavan worked on it in Maharashtra. Before independence the left parties were
played their politics through Socialism which had a base of Marx theory and
they were adopted a political thinking from Soviet Russia. But Nehru opposed it
and gave the alternative of Democratic Socialism for common peoples. In state
politics, Chavan adopted the political thinking of Nehru and implemented his
policies for development. He always said that we want a Democracy as well as
Socialism. But our Socialism is a different from Russia and China. Through the
common man participation and democratic values we have to achieve our goals. He
prepared new laws for farmers, workers for their economic and social
development. He implemented kulkayda in interest of small farmers and
farm workers.
2.
Creation
of Agro-base Society: A creation of agro-base society was a great contribution
from Y. B. Chavan. After establishment of state of Maharashtra, he promoted the
agro-base industry in rural area of state. Particularly, in western Maharashtra
he gave the support to cooperative movement and created a new society. The
cooperative sugar mills, Banks played a major role in this regard. The middle
class from rural area was creation of Y. B. Chavan. In several public meetings
he was given the ideas of agro-base industries. And publish articles through
the print media.
3.
Yashwantro Chavan was a good orator, he delivered
his one speech on Maharastrachya
bhityachee safar at Sangli on 5th January 1960. He discussed
several challenges issues before the new state. He gave importance to the
emotional unity of all region including Vidhtbha and Marthwada. He assured to
people that his government will give support to development other regions. [1 ]
4.
Shivaji Maharaj
was inspiration to all Marathi community. On the day Shivjayntee on 27th
April 1960 he gave one speech through All India Radio, Mumbai station. He took
the review of historical and cultural development of Maharashtra and appeal to
people for maintaining a diversity of state. [2
]
5.
Yashwantrao Chavan delivered his one speech on aviksit
deshancha aartik vikas before
the economists in Pune on 21st
January 1960. This speech represent his economical idea of development.He was
given importance to agriculture, human development, urbanization and
industrialization. That time he wanted
to implement land development and a sealing act. [ 3 ]
6.
A Pune base weekly Sadhana is one of the
prestigious publication in Maharashtra run by the socialist group. This weekly
was organized one seminar on where Y. B. Chavan spoke on a different area of
leadership. The title Vidhayak krtuttwas aahavn show his a different type of quality. He said, “ After the new
state, the peoples of Mharashatra are
getting an new opportunity but it is challenge
for them . Intellectual class should give the leadership to implement government policies and develop
their approaches”[4 ]
7.
Yashwantrao
Chavan came from farmer background so always committed to agriculture
development. One of his speech Aamchya Shetiche Mulbhut Prshna show idea about agro development. He said, “ We
want to develop our agriculture with more efforts because our agriculture is
not a modern. For this development we have connect agro education with our
agriculture. We have to develop scientific agriculture approach in our
peoples………….. Every agri officer and
agro graduates should become farmer and gave his contributions to agriculture.
If our agriculture graduates delivered only lectures then our agro colleges
will be close dawn. We have to reach up to hut of of the farmers with knowledge
and new idea of agriculture.”[ 5 ]
8.
Yashwantro’s had keen interest in spreading of
education throughout a state. He take initiative for establishments of new Universities other
parts of state. In 1962 he takes initiative for establishment of Shivaji
University at Kolhapur. He always attended the several programmes, seminars in
the Universities and higher education institutes. He delivered his convocation
address before the new graduates of
Marathwada University, Aurngabad on 15th October 1960. He said,
“You have seriously take University education Your first duty to study the
local problems Every region has a different needs and problems The new
graduates should do in-depth study of local problems and provide the solution
on it. You should become a part of welfare work in local areas. Today’s new graduates give their contributions ‘to masses and try to fillful
the expectations of the society” [ 6 ]
9.
Yaswantrao Chavan was a good Marathi writer he wrote
several articles and delivered the speeches on Marathi literature. One of his
speech was on Sahitykanchee Jbabdaree discussed the responsibilities of
the writers. He said, “ ………. After getting the Rajbhasha status to
Marathi, the responsibility of writers will be increased. They should give
their contributions for development of people’s life. A Mararthi witers should
write in all area of knowledge and try to the strengthen the knowledge base of
Marathi society……. The main objective
of literature is to develop the awareness about the human values.” [ 7]
10. After the
establishment of state of Maharashtra, Y. B. Chavan contributed in politics,
education, agriculture, cooperative movement and development of a Marathi
language. For over all development of state he considers all the aspects. An
establishment of Mahrashtra Rajya Sahitya Sanskruti Mandal is one them. A
Marathi languge has long tradition from poet Mukundraj and Sant
Gnyneshwar. And he wanted to extend this tradition with the help of
writers, poet, and thinkers. Tarktirth Laxamanshastri Joshi was first President
of this Sahitya Mahamandal. In opening ceremony of the Sahitya Mahamandal Chavan said, “ Government wants to a more
attention on a Marathi language
culture and its history. A more recourses are available in
Indian and foreign languages so the research work will start in this regard
under the experts. A one high level committee of experts will be formed for
this work.”[ 8 ]
11. After
independence the Congress Party was lost the power in 1977 general election.
The Prime minister and Congress President Indira Gandhi and her son Sanjay
Gandhi were also lost the election then Y. B. Chavan became the president of
Congress Parliamentary Board and opposition leader in Lok Sabha. As opposition
leader he delivered his speech in AIR
and accepted the defeat of Congrss Party. He said, “ To handle the government
is not easy because India is big country with verity of traditions. The new government accepted this work.
…………………..For nation building my party will fully cooperate to
government . I have the hopes new government will respect our
cooperation…….. the negative approach will never use so new government
should avoid this approach”.[ 9 ]
Reflection of
others leaders and editors on Y. B.Chavan:
Yashwantrao Chavan gave his contributions
to politics of Maharashtra and India. He was always committed to the Congress
Party and its politics. He was mass leader as well as class leader from Non-Brahmin community. After 1950 he played
his political ideas and organized the
masses on the economical and social development. It is interesting that to see
the reflection of others leaders on Y. B. Chavan’s ideas and his politics.
1.
Vasantarao Naik
was second leader of Maharashtra
who lead the state more than 13 years without any trouble. He implemented the ideas of Chavan
in Maharashatra and achieved the successful level. The implementations of Panchyat Raj system and to handle the drought
of 1972-73 was achievement of Naik. He wrote a one article on Chavan and the
title was Yashwantrao ek Aadarsh
Vyktimattwa . He said, “ Yashwantrao developed through the national
and intellectual thinking of line. He wants study each question in-depth. And he gave this credit to
M. N.Roy in public life…….. Yashwantrao
was always in thinking process on various issues. How to develop our nation, How to built-up
the unity and How the common man will
happy these questions are with him. So everybody has to take a note about his
thinking, visions and efforts.” [13 ]
2.
S. M. Joshi was the leader of Socialist and Janta
Party. He was the main leader in
Samyukta Maharashtra Samiti and fought
for Mumbai with Maharshtra. After Chavan’s death he gave the special interview
to ‘Lokrajya’. He described Chavan as a leader of Bhujanwadi
and true democratic. He had the socialist image and best administrator.[
14]
3.
The present NCP President Shard Pawar is political
successor of Y. B. Chavan. He always the mention the name of Chaavn for his
countributions and leadership qualities. He described Chavan was ideal model
for him and he wanted to continued on same path.
4.
Barrister Vittalrao Gadgil was Congress leader and Ex-union Minister .
He said, “ Y. B. Chavan was architecture of
Maharashtra. After 1980 he joined the main stream of Congress party and
give strength to organization.[ 15]
5.
Aachary P. K.
Atre was Marathi writer, poet and journalist who devoted his half life for
Samyakta Maharshtra movement along with S. A. Dnge, S. M Joshi and Datta
Deshmukh. He was owner and editor of Daily
Maratha who fought for peoples interest. He said, “ Yaswantro’s
blood is part of Socialism”[16]
6.
Govind Talwarkar was the editor of Daily
Maharashtra Times from Mumbai for more than thirty years and very close to
Y. B. Chavan. After the death of Chavan, Talwalkar described him as a Cultural
Marathi leader……… Yaswantrao had keen interest in literature, and scholars”.[ 17]
Conculsion:
Before closing my paper, I want to mention
my observations on this topic. The development of Yashwantrao Chavan’s
leadership was actual growth of Bhuganwadi politics. And Chavan tried to
gave justice in his life. He opened new ideas of development and implemented it
through the power. After 1960 the colours of politics has been changed and new
leadership came forward from villages to Mumbai. This process started by Y. B.
Chavan and his followers. In this process the social, economical needs were
converted in to development ideas and Y.B. Chavan gave the thoughts and
programmes on it. After the fifty years of State of Maharashtra this vision
became the political thinking in Marathi literature and separate identity in
study of Maharashtra politics.
References:
1.
http//en.wekipedia.org/wiki/Yashwantrao_Chavan#Literature/10-1-2016.
2.
Chavan
Yashwantrao Shyadriche Ware, Publication Section, Government of
Maharashtra P:37-43
3.
P:63-68
4.
P:69-73
5.
P:135-139
6.
P:144-149
7.
P:289-295
8.
P:296-302
9.
Chavan
Yashwantrao Bhumika,(P:214-216) Rohan Prakashan, Pune, January 2013.
10. ‘Lok Rajya’,
Yashwantrao Chavan Smrti Visheshank, 1, March 1985.
11. P: 17-39
12. P:34-35
13. P: 6,7&34
14. P: 51,55
15. P: 135
16. P:56, 57 &60
(Thanks: This
paper was presented in National Seminar on ‘Political Thinking in Indian
Literature’ organized by Chaudhary Charan Sing University, Meerut, (U.P), 13th-14th
February, 2016. )
