3.

The Liberation War of Bangladesh and the political parties of India

The statements and actions of political parties greatly influenced the policies and decisions
taken by the Government of India on refugees. This chapter will discuss the two main issues-
1. The kind of statements made by the then political parties represented in the Lok Sabha of
India, 2. Basically to analyze the role of the leftist parties in addition to addressing the
remarks of other political parties on this issue outside Parliament. Though the political parties
of India contextually interpret the refugee problem or Bangladesh's liberation war on a larger
scale, from a party point of view, they are not always embedded in the party’s viewpoint.
Political parties that were active in Indian politics during the liberation war of Bangladesh
were the National Congress of India, Communist Party of India, People's Socialist Party, The
Communist Party of India (Marxist), the Bhartiya Jana Sangh, and the Swatantra Party.

The bordering states of India, which were affected within a short period of time by the
sudden refugee flows, are mainly Bengali-speaking West Bengal and Tripura, Assam,
Meghalaya and Bihar where Refugee issues have been discussed in the legislatures all year
long. In addition, political parties engaged in debate in the Lok Sabha on various aspects of
the refugee problem. From such discussions and debates, it is possible to conceive the
position of the participating political parties regarding the refugee issue. On May 25 and 26 in
Lok Sabha, in the discussion on the title “Discussion on influx of Refugees from East
Bengal”- Communist Party of India (Marxist), People's Socialist Party, Congress
(Opposition), Communist Party of India, Government Party nominated and non-party
members take part along with Indian National Congress. A. K. Sen (West Bengal, the ruling
Congress) started the discussion saying that we have come together to discuss the greatest
tragedy in human history. Criticizing the government policy, he says-

“Is it enough to say that we are prepared to extend all our sympathy, support and
succour to these millions of unfortunate refugees? Such a passive role would not be
consistent with our history and our past traditions.”

He added that the barbaric events were not limited to the massacre of Pakistani citizens or
minorities or the majority, thousands of our (Indian) villages were attacked by Pakistanis,
firing hundreds of Indians. He believes that recognition of Bangladesh was necessary for the
defence of the Indians as well as to provide active support and assistance to the Bangladesh
movement. And direct or indirect ways of invading India, by sending millions of refugees, or
firing at India's borders or the source of weakening India's economic, social and political
integrity must be prevented. Odisha ruling Congress party leader J. B. Patnaik said while
participating in Lok Sabha discussion, to make the struggle of the people of Bangladesh a
success and to create a conducive environment for the three and a half million refugees to
return Bangladesh our main duty will be to make an attempt to escort international public
opinion to India. He was in favour of leaving the issue of granting recognition to the
Government of India. However, he opposed granting immediate recognition. On the same
day, Dosarathadev, a member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), Tripura, who
participated in the Lok Sabha debate, criticized the government's refugee policy saying, only
by accepting resolution or sympathizing with the oppressed people of Bangladesh and
condemning Yahiya’s brutality will not create a situation for Bangladesh refugees to return.
He demanded material assistance to the freedom fighters for the parcelling of Pak army from
the territory of Bangladesh so that their ability to hurt will increase manifold, or else empathy
alone will not provide a viable solution. Opposing J. B. Patnaik’s statement, he said,
immediate recognition should be granted to resolve refugee issues. His statement regarding
this context was-

“The more you delay in recognizing the Bangladesh government, the more you delay in
giving material aid, the more will be the influx of refugees and you will not be able to
solve the problem and this problem will continue to linger.”

Hiren Mukherjee (Communist Party of India) criticizing the Indian government's position,
said, a weak argument of the government is the lack of international law and the support of
larger power classes. Taking part in the discussions he showed that the example of
accreditations during the war period has occurred in many parts of the world and in many
States. There cannot be acceptable barriers to international law recognition. Regarding the
solution to the refugee problem he said-

“Several million refugees have already streamed into India and more are coming.
Famine epidemics and other concomitant evils are too likely to break out and filter into
our country.”

Samar Guha (West Bengal, Public Socialist Party) said criticizing Indian Government’s
confusion regarding Bangladesh’s Policy, in the meantime we have given Bangladesh the de
Facto recognition. At the beginning of the crisis in Bangladesh, our government would say
"East Pakistan" which changed to "East Bengal" afterwards but yesterday, both the Prime
Minister and the Foreign Minister used "Bangladesh". So what is the need for hesitation or
reluctance in formal recognition. On a direct visit to the refugee camp he also said in
parliament, if Pakistan becomes a Muslim nationalist state, then none of the refugees will
return to East Pakistan. He also said that by establishing Bangladesh, the problem of refugees
could be solved. This will benefit India itself as More money could be allocated for defence
and economic development by swallowing the expenses of the defence. He highlighted
Bangladesh's involvement with the national interest of India-

“In the name of the mothers and sisters of Bangladesh, I appeal to the Prime Minister to
rise to the occasion and show her guts and take the fateful decision to not only save
Bangladesh but also to ensure the future of India.”

S. L. Saxena, member of Uttar Pradesh Independent Parliament spoke on the issue of

refugees, if the refugees are to be repatriated to Bangladesh then law and order must be
established there. This is possible only if our army was sent to East Pakistan, he advised us
not to be afraid of sending troops to stop the genocide and to give full power to the
Government of Bangladesh. Reminding the national interest of India, he said-

“You have to take the risk yourself, it is your own concern. Bangladesh is your
problem. If you free Bangladesh on your eastern border you will be safeguarded.”
In this session of Parliament, to conclude the discussion on the questions from various
members Prime Minister Indira Gandhi spoke on various issues and highlighted the severity
of the refugee problem-

“Our experience of the influx of refugees and the preposterous propaganda by Pakistan
reinforced the fact that what is happening in Bangladesh do not have many-sided
repercussions on our internal affairs. That is why I have said that this cannot be
considered merely as an internal problem of Pakistan. It is an Indian problem. More, it
is a problem of the world. The international community must appreciate the very
critical character of the situation that has now developed. Any failure to do so may well
lead to disastrous consequences. For what is happening in Bangladesh is not just a
political or economic problem. It is a problem of the very survival of the people of that
whole area, the people of Bangladesh.”

He said in the statement regarding genocide-

“It is a problem created by calculated genocide that is resulting not only in the murder
of tens of thousands of men, women and children but also forcing many more to seek
refuge and shelter in India. It is a problem that threatens the peace and security of
India and indeed, of South-East Asia. The world must intervene to see that peace and
security is re-established and maintained.”

Promoting the liberation war of Bangladesh, especially the refugee problem in the
international arena and the opposition members accuse the foreign ministry for failing in
public opinion organizations. Many blame the government for its lack of courage, especially
for the risk of uncertainty. The Prime Minister replied to all these allegations-

“This Government may have many faults; but it does not lack courage nor it is afraid of
taking a risk if it is a necessary risk. As I have said many times over, we are not merely
concerned with the legal aspect of this situation or, indeed, of any situation. We are
concerned with one thing and one thing only our own national interest and security and
naturally that of the heroic people of Bangladesh. That is why it is important to act
calmly. The situation is far grave for anything else.”

Regarding the recognition of Bangladesh, she said-

“the word ‘recognition’ has echoed from every side, as if recognition by itself could
solve the many difficulties which confront the people of Bangladesh or the many
difficulties which our country faces especially our states on the border, that is, West
Bengal, Assam, Tripura and Meghalaya. We have given deep and anxious thought to all
aspect of this question. It is, as my colleague has said, constantly under review. We are
not waiting to see what other countries will do in the matter. Whatever decision we take
in this or other issues is guided by our own independent assessment of the situation and
how our interest in the broadest sense are served.”

Indira Gandhi sought the help of all political parties on the Bangladesh question. She urged to
do justice to the refugee problem the national and international issues not to be considered at
the communal level. The government will not take any hasty decision regarding Bangladesh.
This was stated by Mrs Indira Gandhi in New Delhi on June 29. She also said no government
can jump into such a serious problem without considering the foregoing. Mrs Gandhi
expressed sadness over the disappointing picture of India's diplomatic activity in the context
of Bangladesh. Prime Minister Smt. Gandhi expressed astonishment while saying, why are
the members not organizing public opinion in support of any Bangladesh returning to their
constituencies? She commented on the public support collection as a relief work.

In this stage of the discussion the statements of the political parties representing the Lok
Sabha and the Rajya Sabha are highlighted. It is clear from this type of statement that the
attitude of trepidation of the Indian government in the initial phase of the liberation war of
Bangladesh was criticized in the parliamentary politics by the represented members of the
political parties, as a result, the government promised to play a more efficient role in the
coming days.

This stage of the discussion will show how the different political parties outside the
parliament have taken part in the question of Bangladesh. Full support was expressed for
Mujibur Rehman in a public meeting called by the UN on March 27 at the University
Institute Hall. Shri Haripad Bharati, president of this public meeting, said with the declaration
of Bangladesh as an independent and sovereign state by Bengal friend Mujibur Rehman,
despite the widespread massacre of warlord killer Yahiya Khan and his followers in West
Pakistan, the way the young warriors of Bangladesh have dealt all the attacks with blood for
this, as the people of Bengal we are proud. We think Bangladesh's independence war will
determine the direction of the establishment of a united India in the coming days. Professor
Bharati in his speech recognized the independent government of Bangladesh and demanded
the help of the United Nations through mobilizing public opinion around the world. Some of
the speakers in the meeting were Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, Durga Prasad Nathani, Gyan
Banerjee and many others. On behalf of the Kolkata Branch of the Indian People's Union at
the end of the meeting a procession came out of the University Institute Hall in support of
Bangladesh's independence struggle. The procession protested in front of the Raj Bhawan
demanding recognition of independent Bengal and burnt Yahiya Khan's puppet.
Contextually, the People's Union initially thought the autonomy of Bangladesh was an
internal matter of Pakistan and with this excuse, Pakistani rulers could put up a war with
India to appease public opinion. It was reported in the party mouthpiece organizer in mid-
March 1971-

‘The predicament of Pakistan can be a little source of comfort especially in view of the
fact that the military rules of that country may seek a diversion by precipitating a
conflict with India.’

But during the billowy days of March 1971, all the unexpected things started happening.
After a military crackdown on March 25 by the West Pakistani military on the path of non-
cooperation movement, when Sheikh Mujib declared independence, the United Nations
changed the party position quickly and congratulated Bangladesh on its declaration of
independence-

‘The best and the biggest thing that has happened to this part of the world since 1947.’
Recognition of the provisional government of East Bengal, including the right to perform the
primary duty towards the freedom fighters has been demanded from the Government of India.
The United Nations firmly believes that India's immense fruition will be achieved through the
emergence of independent and friendly Bangladesh. Shortly after the early stages of the
liberation war in Bangladesh the UN effort was to get directly involved with the Indian
government in any way so that Pakistan will not be able to solve its inherent problems
anyhow. Since the beginning UN has consistently encouraged the war between India and
Pakistan and criticizing foreign powers, especially Moscow, it demanded the Indian
government to take decisions independently. On 3 rd April, in the spokesman organiser it was
written regarding the recognition of Bangladesh-

‘It is believed that a fraternal advice from Moscow is the reason behind the delay in its
(India’s) taking a bold stand in this regard.’

Mahabodhi Society, chaired by Shri Randev Chowdhury in the initiative of Bengal National
Party at a meeting of prominent citizen groups demanded to accept the independent
Bangladesh. A memorandum containing this demand was presented to the Prime Minister at
the Raj Bhawan after the meeting. On March 28, the Central Committee of the All India
Forward Block appealed to the Government of India to support Bangladesh. In the public
rally at Shaheed Minar Maidan at the call of the Marxist Communist Party in Kolkata, party
leader Shri Jyoti Basu demanded central government to immediately recognize the
provisional government of independent Bangladesh. Shri Basu demanded arms to be
provided for the fighting of the struggling people of Bangladesh. He demanded all kind of
assistance to Bangladesh instead of the sweet support of the central Congress government.
The other leaders who spoke at this meeting were Shri Hare Krishna Konger, Jyoti
Bhattacharya, Sukumar Roy, Ram Chatterjee, Nepal Bhattacharya and others. It was written
in the resolution passed by Mr Sudhir Kumar, the convener of the Left Front, ‘In the
historical struggle, the people of West Bengal will stand side by side with the people of East
Bengal. Not just moral sense but in the real need of democratic struggle, the people of India
will help the people of that country to counter the terrorist attacks in Bangladesh.’ It was
further said that mere verbal support will not help the people of Bangladesh. In the proposal,
to give real help to the cause, there was a demand for immediate recognition of the sovereign
independent republic of Bangladesh by the Government of India. On the other hand, the
meeting of the Executive Council of the National Congress was held in New Delhi in which
the Prime Minister of the country, as well as the President of the National Congress, urged
Indians to fully support the independence movement of East Pakistan but as per the
unanimous proposal which was adopted by the members of the executive committee of the
700 national working committees, no direct aid to East Pakistan was promised there. Mrs
Indira Gandhi made it clear when some members demanded military assistance for East
Pakistan-

“Whatever we are doing, it is to raise our voice in the capitals of the world and in the
United Nations over the brutal massacre across our borders”-

At the same time, in response to the criticism of the President of Pakistan, she said:
“India has no desire to interfere in the internal affairs of another country. But it cannot
remain silent over the oppression and wanton killing across the border.”

Demanding help for the freedom fighters of Bangladesh, Marxist Communist Party
Parliamentarian Dhirin Dutta gave a memorandum to the Governor of Tripura. According to
Dhirin Dutta's statement, the memorandum demanded immediate recognition of Bangladesh.
Arrangements for all forms of aid to the Liberation Army and all kind of assistance to the
refugees and political asylum in Tripura was demanded, there is a need to come forward for
all kinds of help by accepting the people's liberation war as part of one’s own struggle. Party
MP Saroj Mukherjee, while speaking at a public rally in Pandua on April 12, strongly
criticized the central government's attitude towards the Bangladesh struggle. He further said
that the West Bengal government is proposing to demand recognition of Bangladesh and why
could not the congress leaders like Vijay Singh Nahar make the leader of their own
organisation Indira ji to accept the recognition? There is so much bloodshed in East Bengal,
and the Congress leaders are sitting here shouting big statements. Yet they are not sending
weapons. Why be a scarecrow to show off? They are the Congress, whose government is not
really providing any help, should ask for the reason.

It is worth mentioning that, in support of Bangladesh, various public outreach campaigns

were spread out and supported by political parties. Proposals were received in support of
Bangladesh through meetings and rallies in various places. Among the mass organizations
who have accepted proposals in support of Bangladesh, the Sri Rampur branch of the Women
Entrepreneurs Association, West Bengal Sub-Ordinate Agricultural Branch Association,
West Bengal State Electricity Board Workmen's Union, Tehtat Local Committee of the
Communist Party of India (MA), West Bengal Government Presswork’s Union, Survey of
India Class Three Service Association, Sundarban branch (BPSF), Nadia District Committee
of Kolkata State Transport Committee, Netaji nagar College teachers and educators, Behala
College Bangladesh People's Liberation Struggle Help Committee, CI Boat Lights Welfare
Association, Nobagram Hiralal Pal College, Student Parliament of Jadavpur University,
Denabandhu College Student Parliament, Life Insurance Employees Association Kolkata
Division, Bangabasi College of Commerce student Parliament, Express Clearing Combat
Branch (Assam) of the Communist Party of India (MA), Employees Union, Ichapur
Ordnance Factories Workers Union and Insurgency of BS Education. IGW Employees
Association, Gurdas College Teachers' Council, Reserve Bank’s Employee’s union, Bedi
Bhawan Branch (CPIM), West Bengal Fisheries Association, Bangladesh Assistance
Coordination Committee, Local Committee of Jalpaiguri(CPIM), Siliguri Local
Committee(CPIM), West Bengal College and University Association, West Bengal
Subordinate Agricultural Service Association. Former Soldiers Association of North Dum
Dum Branch(BPSF), Midnapore Branch (Govt. Employee’s Association), West Bengal
National Volunteers’ Force, Belgharia Police Station. Tobacco Worker’s union, West Bengal
Government Employee’s Association Ranaghat branch, Rampur hat subdivision July 12
committee and Palasi Branch(CPIM).

While speaking in the assembly that took place in New Delhi with the local initiative of the
Communist Party (Marxist) the Leader of the Party, Jyoti Basu said, the government of
Bangladesh should be given immediate recognition and should be provided with all necessary
assistance, including weapons. If the Indian government does not take all these measures,
then West Bengal will have serious repercussions. He added that serious situation had arisen.
As neighbours, we need to send the necessary help to the people of Bangladesh. About the
events in Bangladesh, he said, talks with the Awami League and National Awami Party
members that various newspapers and radios are promoting, are mostly exaggerated. Military
rulers prepared for military and political attack on Bangladesh, with the opportunity to
discuss the news received. He said a local unit of the Marxist Communist Party organized this
meeting. The proposal adopted by the Marxist Communist Party Tripura State Committee in
support of Bangladesh's independence struggle (April 21-22), called for the unification of
Tripura's democratic power resources in support of Bangladesh's independence struggle.
They now maintain diplomatic relations with the fascist government of the central Congress
government which was intensely discussed. The committee called for the refugees who have
come to Tripura - More shelter camps, cash shelves for those who did not get placed in the
shelter camps, shelter camp food, Blankets, Milk for children, Epidemic antidepressant, a
vehicle for crossing the borders, Easy Pak currency exchange, relaxation of cross-border
restrictions and protection of Hindu-Muslim harmony.

In a proposal of the committee, deep concern over the increase in the prices of the essential
commodities like food and kerosene in Tripura expressed resentment at the government's
reservation policy and demanded from the Central Government- to immediately reduce
expenses of the allocated food and rationing other necessary commodities. open ration shops
everywhere and distribute food and essential goods through it, Help the poor in distress, the
work of Test Relief should be started rapidly, Smugglers should be severely punished. On the
basis of all these demands of the democracy of Tripura, organized mass movements
everywhere urged the people of Tripura to protect themselves from this crisis.

Marxist Communist Party leader Jyoti Basu's speech, at a public meeting organized by the
Delhi State Committee on the situation in Bangladesh and West Bengal, questioned the
sincerity of the Indian government in supporting Bangladesh. He questioned how the
government, which has suppressed democracy at home, would stand up for democracy
outside. Basu said the government should immediately recognize Bangladesh and take any
diplomatic risk as a result. Fighters need more weapons and ammunition than food and
clothing. It has to be given immediately and the border gates have to be opened. He criticized
the bourgeois papers for publishing all the exaggerated news about the Bengali army. We
have to be objective to help Bangladesh. Struggle will be hard and tough, need strong
organization, but in the end the struggle of the people will win. The unanimous resolution
that was passed in the State Legislative Assembly of West Bengal (May 7, 1971)
inaugurating the discussion on the proposal, Leader of the Opposition Jyoti Basu said, despite
the terrible fundamental differences with the current so-called coalition government parties
this important proposal is being passed unanimously in the Legislative Assembly as our
amendment to the Government proposal on Bangladesh has been accepted. But doubts are
about the sincerity of the government. Because, when this reactionary government is
proposing to support the freedom struggle of Bangladesh- It was then that this government,
with its military, KRP, Article 144 and other black laws, destroyed the limited democracy in
Bengal. So the suspicion arises. This proposal should not become a proposal on paper in the
end. If the government has the slightest respect for the people of Bangladesh, then every little
bit of this proposal must be implemented to prove its sincerity. Speaking at a rally convened
by the Durgapur Trade Union Co-ordination Committee, Jyoti Basu said, we demanded from
the very beginning that the government of Bangladesh be recognized. Unfortunately, we have
to make the same demand today as well. Then Indira said- who will be recognized? There is
no government there. But now the government has been officially established there. Yet why
is there so much hesitation to recognize? He further said that we need to build a strong
movement. The meeting of the Marxist Communist Party Politburo held in Coimbatore the
role of the Indian government was criticized on behalf of the Politburo, it was told-

The Government had evidently done so under pressure from the USA and certain other
quarters.

The proposal made here stated:

The failure to recognise the provisional Government and render all material assistance
had tremendously hampered the struggle of the people of Bangladesh and led to the
migration of over 5 million people of Bangladesh into India as refugees. This huge
refugee influx has created huge problems for India and particularly to the border states
of West Bengal, Tripura, Assam and Meghalaya. Thus it is the Government of India
that is responsible for this situation by its failure to recognize provisional Government
and render all material assistance to it.

The West Bengal State Council of the Communist Party of India met on June 16 and 17 for a
two-day session. In a statement at the end of the session it was demanded that the freedom
fighters of Bangladesh should be given all kinds of help including arms and military
education to liberate Bangladesh. It was also said that the government of Bangladesh needs
immediate recognition. The State Council of the Communist Party criticized the Government
of India for not doing anything about this recognition and the party called on all its branches
to form a massive movement for the recognition of Bangladesh. At the same time the
statement said, the State Council of the Communist Party thinks that this success of
Bangladesh should be seen as a national problem. The Rajya Sabha has expressed deep
resentment over the attitude of the Orissa government towards accepting refugees from
Bangladesh and the riots in Meghalaya. A nationally sympathetic approach to Bangladesh
and for the purpose of making all the states aware of the need to share the burden of the
border states, the party appealed to the Prime Minister to convene a conference of chief
ministers. The reason for this is that if Bangladesh's struggle fails, India's democratic secular
forces will be swept away by communalism and repercussion.

The pamphlet, which contained a statement from the Socialist Workers Party of India on
Bangladesh, read, India must have faced difficulties and dangers for the ingress of the 70
million refugees. It has benefited the bourgeois government here. There are bourgeois
politicians who put all the emphasis on this problem who says- If the Yahiya government
spends one crore rupees a day for the genocide in Bangladesh, we are spending one crore
rupees to save the lives of 50 lakh refugees.

This means that Bangladesh is no longer just a domestic affair of Pakistan. It has now
become a domestic problem in India. The Indian Parliament unanimously passed the
resolution in solidarity with the liberation movement of the people of Bangladesh to provide
shelter for the refugees.
New Delhi, however, did not recognize the Bangladesh government. The main task was to
beg for the help for the refugees from the world court. The imperialist powers, especially
America, Britain has sent some medicine to the refugees to calm the consciences for
digesting huge capital investments in the two parts of Pakistan.

Meanwhile, China's Mao bureaucracy is openly supporting Yahya's government and the
Soviet bureaucracy fulfilled its responsibility by verbally expressing sympathy to the people
of Bangladesh. The representative of the Communist Party of East Bengal returned from the
Soviet Communist Party's 24th Conference in Moscow in a state of deep despair. The
delegation concluded that Soviet leaders were not prepared other than to cooperate with the
United States in resettling refugees.

Jana Sangh President Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee demanded immediate recognition of
Bangladesh which was theoretically recorded as-

The Jana Sangha President Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee today alleged that the Prime
Minister was flouting the pledge given in parliament for an effective action with regard
to the Bangladesh problem.

Speaking to newsmen. He ruled out the possibility of war with Pakistan merely on the
ground of recognition to Bangladesh by India.

Under pressure of superior powers Mrs. Gandhi is not recognising Bangladesh as an

independent nation,” he said.

The long-drawn guerrilla struggle between the Mukti Fouj and the West Pakistan.
Army would deteriorate the situation in the Eastern part of the country comprising
West Bengal, Assam, Nagaland and Bihar. Arms and ammunition were being smuggled
to neighbouring Indian states by Naxalites and others.

He urged the Prime Minister to immediately convene a meeting of the National

Integration Committee and wanted her “not to side tract the burning issue of
Bangladesh under the bogey of communalism.”

Agencies add: Recognition of Bangladesh should no longer be delayed otherwise the

history of Tibet might be repeated here. After recognition all sorts of air including
military aid could be made available to them as Mr. Vajpayee added.

Party general secretary P. Sundraiya revealed to reporters the proposal that was adopted at a
meeting of the Politburo of the Marxist Communist Party of India held in New Delhi on July
23-26. The proposal said, our party wants- India to give more active support to the transient
Bangladesh government in the fight against Yahiya militant military rule. Explaining the
proposal, Sundraiya said, although the Indian government is hesitant to recognize this saying
that, it could lead to a war with Pakistan, but the real reason is something else. Because the
United States does not want the Indian government to accept the transient government. India
must abandon its policy of bowing to imperialist powers like the United States. India and the
Soviet Union signed an agreement in August. After the execution of this agreement, a
positive effect was noticed among the freedom-loving freedom fighters of Bangladesh. In this
context, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of India-Marxist adopted a resolution
on the Indo-Soviet agreement, there it was said that, The Indo-Soviet Friendship Agreement
signed by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), so that if any
party is affected or to take measures to reduce the risk of attack and which has clearly
condemned colonialism and racism – is congratulated. Therefore, the agreement also
provides for the two countries to be treated as "most privileged countries". The proposal
further stated, due to the Indo-Soviet agreement, all the dilemmas of the Indian government
should have been tamed and now the government must come forward to recognize
Bangladesh immediately as well as it must provide all kinds of moral and material help. The
proposal of the Central Committee of the Communist Party(Marxist) of India about
Bangladesh, which was published in Ganashakti on September 10, criticised the dilemma of
the government after the Indo-Soviet agreement. It was written in this report- India to
overcome all hesitations of the Soviet agreement as well as it was thought to help hastening
the recognition of the Bangladesh government. The Central Committee has noticed that in the
joint declaration of the foreign ministers of India and the Soviet Union there has been a
prattle of a "political solution" to the situation in Bangladesh "in the interest of the people of
Pakistan as a whole." The concerns were that the question of recognition of Bangladesh has
been avoided. The statement issued by the Politburo of the Communist Party of India
(Marxist) on October 2 regarding the Indo-Soviet statement said- It seemed, the Indo-Soviet
alliance agreement will help the Bangladesh government overcome its hesitation on the issue
of recognition. But the situation has taken another form. It is not at all accidental that in the
speech in front of the U.N.O., Indian Foreign Minister Saran Singh did not support
Bangladesh, he did not even acknowledge the existence of the Bangladesh government. Even
though earlier political settlement meant the independence of Bangladesh, the foreign
minister's proposal at present is that a political solution can be found within the framework of
Pakistan among the elected representatives, there is no question that this compromise should
be between the Yahya government and the Bangladesh government. The statement further
announced, the joint statement, which very accurately called for the withdrawal of US troops
from Vietnam, did not utter a word of criticism against the U.S. arm supplies while the Yahya
regime was wreaking havoc, looting and initiating genocide in Bangladesh. Why both the
sides are so reluctant to mention and condemn this US offense against the people of
Bangladesh? It was further said that the struggle of the people of Bangladesh was moving
towards a decisive end. In this case, when any force is pressed, whatever that force is, if India
deviates from the earlier statement and harms the heroic struggle of the people of
Bangladesh, what will it be other than betrayal?

A statement issued by the Politburo of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) on October 9
said, right after Mrs. Gandhi’s visit to Moscow the Politburo of the Communist Party of India
(Marxist) in a statement on the Indo-Soviet declaration warned the people against
complacency. The opinion of Politburo, this joint declaration is the ultimate insult to the
people of Bangladesh and their glorious struggle. The Politburo further warns that there will
soon be intense international pressure to reach a settlement within the framework of Pakistan
in exchange for the people of Bangladesh. Saran Singh's statement at the Shimla session of
the All India Congress Committee confirmed this fear. Overlooking the regional differences,
the Foreign Minister has openly stated in a statement that the Government of India is willing
to recognize an understanding within the framework of Pakistan. According to him, "this
political settlement can happen in three ways. It could be within the framework of Pakistan or
within the framework of an independent Bangladesh. Or a system that will guarantee greater
modern independence to Bangladesh.” The Indira Gandhi government demanded that this
political settlement should be within the framework of Pakistan. What could be a greater
betrayal than this?

The position of the independent party on the question of India's support in the liberation war
of Bangladesh was opposite to that of other political parties. The position of different
political parties in India and in direct opposition to Indian public opinion, they said, India
should refrain from any interference in the conflict between the two parts of Pakistan. Two
factors were active behind the party taking this position, Firstly, China's inevitable
intervention on Pakistan's part in such regional events, Secondly, the growing influence of the
heighten communist movement in West Bengal. The Independent Party hopes that, it will be
possible to solve the problems of Bangladesh in a peaceful way, not through the
disintegration of the state of Pakistan or the rise of the independent state of Bangladesh. The
party thinks that India should remain neutral in its own interest without allying with either
West Pakistan or East Pakistan. Rejecting the demand for immediate recognition of
Bangladesh, it was said that this recognition would mean shredding the diplomatic ties with
Pakistan. The result could be an increased risk of a Pak-India war that China would gladly
welcome. Independent party is not in favour of India's participation under any circumstances.
Rather, it seeks international intervention to resolve the Bangladesh issue. And in this case
the Soviet Union could play a major role because the party thinks that Soviet concerned
mediation will be acceptable to the parties.

Following the military crackdown in East Pakistan, Raja Gopala Chari said in a statement on
March 31 that-

External intervention is necessary… I am convinced that Kosygin alone can intervene

and I believe that his intervention will not fail to bring about what we desire.

As per the decision of the general meeting of the party, on April 17, the party appealed to the
UN Secretary General U. Thant to take the initiative in order to keep India away from the
Bangladesh problem.

Has the Indian government put pressure on the Bangladesh government to make the various
committees of the Bangladesh Liberation Front 'pro-Soviet'? Independent Party Secretary
Shri Madhu Mehta has sought a direct answer to this question from the Prime Minister Smt.
Indira Gandhi. Shri Mehta's question centred on the shocking report of the London Times'
New Delhi correspondent. The Times correspondent Peter Hazel Hurst quoted a very senior
figure in the Bangladesh government while saying, the Indian government is trying to turn
the East Bengal independence movement into such an organization on behalf of the Soviet
Union which will eventually be forced to ally with Moscow. According to this member of the
Government of Bangladesh, the Indian government has twice tried inserting pressure on
Bangladesh to turn the pro-Moscow person or the various committees of the Liberation Front
into a favourable body for Moscow. A report sent by a Times correspondent called for the
formation of an advisory committee of Awami League members along with the pro-Soviet
Bengali communists. The report states, two prominent Indian Foreign Office officials with
people of all political persuasions in the name of forming an advisory committee, the
inclusion of three communist leaders, including the pro-Moscow professor Muzaffar Ahmed
was supported. It may be recalled here that Professor Ahmed lost the election last December.
The independent party demanded the central government to reveal the entire truth about these
issues. Mr. Hazel Hurst said, the delegation from Bangladesh which recently visited the
United Nations, the Foreign minister Mushtaq Ahmed was dropped from the party mainly
after the intervention of Mr. D. P. Dhar.

The news that was published in the Daily Times of India on October 10 under the headline
‘GOVT. IS PREPARING FOR SELL-OUT OF BANGLADESH, ALLEGES SANGH’, was:

The central working committee of the Jana Sangh today accused the Union
Government of “betraying the cause of Bangladesh’ and said that Mr. Saran Singh’s
statement in Shimla calling far “a political settlement within the framework of Pakistan
was a shameful let-down.”

A resolution adapted by the committee on Bangladesh said that lodged by the

touchstone of efficacy in helping to solve the Bangladesh problem, the India-Soviet
treaty had proved unhelpful.

Briefing newsmen on today’s discussions, Mr. L. K. Advani, a member of the working

committee and secretary of the Jana Sangh parliamentary Party, said for the first time
a senior government official Mr. Swaran Singh had spoken about a Bangladesh solution
within the framework of Pakistan.

Almost all the parties had demanded the recognition of Bangladesh and the
Government of India, too, was in agreement though it seemed to have reserved the right
to choose the timing. Mr Advani said.

Mr Swaran Singh’s statement, however, had come as a big surprise to the working
committee, he said, “It leaves no doubt in our mind that it has been done to prepare the
country for a sell-out of Bangladesh” he also added “The Mukti Bahini was in no
position to destroy or dislodge the army. If Bangladesh were to be liberated, India
should first recognise the new republic and give all aid, including guns, tanks, planes
and ships, on a government to government basis.”

There should be no disagreement between the ruling party Congress and the Indian
government on policy issues. Although many members of the ruling party in various debates
in the Lok Sabha-Rajya Sabha on the liberation war of Bangladesh, majorly criticized the
government's policy on the issue of recognition. But overall the policies of the Congress and
the Government of India were consistent. On March 27, expressing "support and sympathy"
for the liberation war of Bangladesh, India conveyed its first reaction in the Lok Sabha
expressing "support and sympathy" for the liberation war of Bangladesh. Two days later, on
March 29, a meeting of the Congress Working Committee was held, chaired by the President
of the Congress D. Sanjivayya. The meeting adopted a regulation entitled 'Situation in East
Pakistan'. In the Regulation of the Congress Working Committee and in the joint session of
the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on 21st March there was no fundamental difference in the
statement of the adopted resolution. The Working Committee Regulation states:
The working committee express its solidarity with the people of East Bengal and
solemnly pledges itself to do whatever lies within its power to mitigate their sufferings.
The working committee appeals to the international community to raise its voice against
this crime of genocide.

In March-April, various opposition political parties began to raise strong demands for
recognition of Bangladesh. Leftist groups, in particular, have been demanding "material"
support. Right-wing parties were reluctant to call for a direct war with Pakistan. Despite such
excitement and pressure of public opinion, the Indian National Congress did not deviate from
their "go slow" policy. Participating in the debate on "Situation in East Bengal" Regulation at
the All India Congress Committee meeting on April 4, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi warned
against any hasty move by India on East Bengal:

Nothing should be said or done by this country (India) which will create complications
and add to the sufferings and difficulties of the people of Bangladesh.

In the wake of national and international developments, the Congress began to change its
attitude towards the Bangladesh Liberation War or the refugee Issues. Especially the loyalty
to the political leadership of the Mujib nagar government in East Bengal, the ideology of the
Awami League as a political party and wide public support and acceptance and the integrated
position of the freedom fighters in the middle of 1971 and the success of the establishment of
free zones in the border areas, Congress leaders consider the worth sternly. During the war,
considering various factors in national and international politics, the Indian government was
sometimes cautious, sometimes or somewhat hesitant, while adopting a policy of direct
cooperation in the war of liberation.

From the above discussion it can be said that different political parties of India conducted
activities related to Bangladesh from their ideological position. But it is undeniable that all
political parties in India were critical of the government's policies and actions. But despite the
criticism, the positions of different parties were distinct. For example, right wing and
communal parties in India like Jana Sangh Independent Party and Hindu Mahasabha were
demanded to be recognized by the Government of Bangladesh along with a strong policy
against Pakisthan. Perhaps the main purpose of these right-wing parties was to utilize Indian-
Bangladesh bond to push them towards an unresolved war overthrowing the Congress
Government. Jana Sangh leader A. B. Vajpayee criticized the Indian government's weak
Bangladesh policy in the Lok Sabha, saying, the Pakistani genocide has caused an influx of
refugees into India which resulted in an economic disaster. According to him, the cost to the
refugees is no less than the cost of the war. The political solution to Bangladesh's problems is
nothing more than the Government’s "holy will". Vajpayee said-

War is a costly affair but in the situation in which we find ourselves in is no less costly.

In other words, from the beginning of the refugee problem, the UN have continuously incited
war to solve this problem. Independent parties have spoken in this tone, Bangladesh refugees
will never return, they will stay in India permanently - due to the weak policy of the Indian
government. With such statements, these parties tried to create communal tensions. On the
other hand, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has repeatedly criticized the role of
dilemma of the Indian government in the war of independence of Bangladesh and as the
refugee problem played such an important role through various political programs, as well as,
in the interest of the freedom-loving people of Bangladesh, besides forming public opinion,
the party also campaigned for Government of India to render its full support in this fight in
every possible way. The Communist Party of India, when the war of liberation started,
through many statements and regulations in various newspapers and magazines declared
solidarity towards the people of Bangladesh for their democratic revolution. In the party's
national council, held in New Delhi in April, an anxious appeal to provide overall
cooperation to Bangladesh including arms, was made to the people as well as to the
Government of India. On the other hand, the role of the National Congress was primarily
cautious and conservative. Yet this can be said without a doubt that MPs from different
political parties representing the members in the context of Bangladesh and the statements
and activities of various political parties outside Parliament, created constant pressure on the
government which influenced the Indian government to take various steps in the future.

References:

1. Sen, A. K. (Ruling Congress Party), Lok Sabha Debate, Vol-2, May 25, 1971, Col.
203.
2. Tadeb, May 25, 1971, Col. 24.
3. Tadeb, May 25, 1971, Col. 2110.
4. Patnaik JB, Lok Sabha debate, Vol-2, May 25, 1971, Col. 221.
5. Dev Dasarath, Lok Sabha debate, Vol-2, May 25, 1971, Col. 221-222.
6. Mukherjee Hirendranath (Communist Party of India Marxist), Lok Sabha debate, Vol-
2, May 25, 1971, Col. 229.
7. Guha Samar, Lok Sabha debate, Vol-2, May 26, 1971, Col. 197.
8. Tadeb, Col. 199-202.
9. Saxena S. A., Lok Sabha debate, Vol-2, May 26, 1971, Col. 104.
10. Lok Sabha debate, Vol-2, May 26, 1971, Bangladesh Documents, Vol- 1, The
Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi, p. 681.
11. Tadeb.
12. Tadeb.
13. Tadeb, p. 681-82.
14. Kalantar, June 30, 1971.
15. Daily Jugantar, March 28,1971.
16. Organizer, Vol- XXIV, No- 31, March 13, 1971, p. 3
17. Op. cit. Vol- XXIV, No- 34, April 3, 1971, p. 3 (editorial).
18. Op. cit. Vol- XXV, No- 2, August 21, 1971, p. 1.
19. Daily Jugantar, March 28, 1971.
20. Daily Anandabazar patrika, March 29, 1971, Ganasakti (Evening, Daily, March 29,
1971)
21. Edited by Rahman Hasan Hafizur, War of Independence of Bangladesh Documents,
Vol. 12, December 2010, p. 304.
22. Ganasakti, Evening Daily Kolkata, April 12, 1971.
23. Tadeb.
24. Tadeb, April 13, 1971.
25. Tadeb, April 13, 1971.
26. Tadeb, April 22, 1971.
27. Tadeb, April 28, 1971.
28. Tadeb, April 28, 1971.
29. Tadeb, May 8, 1971.
30. Tadeb, May 11, 1971.
31. Daily Statesman, June 18, 1971.
32. Kalantar, June 26, 1971.
33. Edited by Rahman Hasan Hafizur, document of the War of Independence of
Bangladesh, Vol- XII, December 2010, p. 417.
34. Daily Statesman, July 12, 1971.
35. Ganasakti, Daily Evening, Kolkata, July 25, 1971.
36. Tadeb, September 2, 1971.
37. Tadeb, September 10, 1971.
38. Tadeb, September 4, 1971.
39. Tadeb, October 11, 1971.
40. Amrita bazar patrika, April 1, 1971.
41. Daily Jugantar, October 10, 1971.
42. Daily times of India, October 11, 1971.
43. Indira Gandhi, Lok Sabha Debate, Vol. I, March 27, 1971, Col. 42-43.
44. Salim Mohammad, Liberation war of Bangladesh and the Indian Political Parties,
February, 2004, p. 35.
45. Tadeb, p. 35.
46. Tadeb, p. 35.
47. Vajpayee Atal Bihari, Lok Sabha Debate, Vol. III, June 18, 1971, Col. 351-352.
48. Salim Mohammad, Liberation war of Bangladesh and the Indian Political Parties,
February, 2004, p. 31.