1. Organizing the Swaraj Party: Das played a key role in organizing the Swaraj Party within the INC. He campaigned for the party's formation, rallying support and persuading other prominent leaders to join. His leadership and organizational skills helped establish the Swaraj Party as a formidable political force.
2. Philosophy of Council Entry: Das advocated the philosophy of "Council Entry," which emphasized participation in the legislative councils established by the British colonial government. He argued that the Swaraj Party should contest elections and use the legislative platform to obstruct the government, demand reforms, and press for greater self-governance.
3. Non-Cooperation and Constructive Programs: While emphasizing Council Entry, Das also believed in combining it with non-cooperation and constructive programs. He supported Mahatma Gandhi's Non-Cooperation Movement initially but later felt the need for a more pragmatic approach. The Swaraj Party focused on constructive activities such as promoting indigenous industries, establishing national educational institutions, and mobilizing public opinion.
4. Civil Disobedience Movements: Das was involved in organizing and leading civil disobedience movements against the British colonial government. He participated in the Bardoli Satyagraha of 1928, where peasants resisted excessive land revenue demands, and the Salt Satyagraha of 1930, where he led a group of volunteers to break the salt laws.
5. Collaboration with Other Leaders: Das forged alliances and collaborations with other prominent leaders, including Motilal Nehru, Lajpat Rai, and Jawaharlal Nehru. This cooperation strengthened the Swaraj Party and allowed for a united front against British rule.
6. Constitutional Reforms: The Swaraj Party's efforts, including Das's leadership, played a role in pressuring the British government for constitutional reforms. Their participation in the legislative councils and their demand for self-governance contributed to the eventual passage of the Government of India Act of 1935, which introduced provincial autonomy and expanded the franchise.
7. Role in Bengal Politics: Das was also a significant figure in Bengal politics. He served as the Mayor of Calcutta (now Kolkata) and worked towards improving the city's infrastructure and civic conditions. He founded the Bengal Provincial Congress Committee and remained an influential leader in Bengal until his death in 1925.
C.R. Das's contributions to the Swaraj Party and his broader political activism in India helped advance the cause of independence, laying the groundwork for future political movements and eventually the achievement of India's freedom from colonial rule.