CONGRESS MEMBERS

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 101, 23 January 1935, Page 9

CONGRESS MEMBERS

«. Challenge to Government at Delhi MOTION TALKED OUT (Received January 22, 8.15 p.m.) Delhi. January 22. Forty-three newly-elected Congress members entered the Legislative Assembly and occupied the Opposition benches at the opening session. They immediately challenged the Government by moving an adjournment when Mr. Satyamurti attacked the Home Department's letter addressed to provincial governments disclosing speculations regarding the political potentialities of Mahatma Gandhi’s Village Industries Association. Sir Henry. Craik, Executive Council member Tor Home Affairs, defending the department, said the letters were tentative, and did not contain orders, and were confidential, but nevertheless had been published in extremist newspapers, having been either “stolen or sold.” Sir Henry Craik quoted Congress members’ speeches to support the Government’s contention that the association aimed at a revolution through the villages. He added that if developments showed the fear was baseless, he would be willing to co-operate in Gandhi’s work. The House cheered the statement and talked out the motion. Contrary to a previous announcement the Maharaja of Patiala accepted the Chancellorship of the Chamber of Princes in view of the proposed reforms and reorganisation in the Chamber. The Maharaja of Bikanir agreed to become a committeeman.