The Congress in Gujarat (1917–1969): Conservative Face of a Progressive Party
Résumé
The political culture of the Gujarat Congress has been traditionally characterized by a conservative overtone that contrasted with the progressive ethos of party units of other provinces. This specificity comes not only from the Gujarati asmita, but also from the attitude of Mahatma Gandhi who did not fully support progressive elements, such as Indulal Yagnik, against more conservative leaders, including Vallabhbhai Patel, K.M. Munshi, G. Nanda and M. Desai. These leaders, who—all of them—eventually exerted power in New Delhi, had affinities with the Sangh parivar, a phenomenon suggesting a unique, regional porosity between the Congress and the Hindutva forces.