Mr. Gandhi's Fast There can be no question of the
wisdom of the decision of the Government of India to release Mr. Gandhi on the beginning of his new fast. The reason for the fast itself remains as obscure as ever, though it appears that it is intended mainly as a protest against the insincerity of some of the Mahatma's own followers in their observance of the principles he has laid down in regard to Untouchables. It has to be - recognized that a fast of twenty-one days in the case . of a- man of Mr. Gandhi's age and physique may well - prove fatal. His death in Orison, might well have caused serious political unrest.' Whatever happens now the Government of India Will .have nothing on its conscience in- regard to Mr-. Gandhi himself.. But the precipitancy with which the Government has rejected the implications of Mr. Gandhi's declaration of a six weeks' suspension of civil disobedience is pro- foundly to be regretted. This is a moment when a favourable atmosphere could easily be created, just when the Select Committee is beginning its work, some signs of official response to precisely the kind of declaration Mr. Gandhi has always been , encouraged to make. The release of some or all of the political prisoners still in custody might well be considered. No danger would be run, for the ordinances under which they were arrested have now been incorporated in the ordinary law and could immediately be put in operation if the released prisoners failed• to observe the general truce. Such an action would be well calculated to drive a wedge between the right and left wings of the Congress party, which will undoubtedly hold together in opposi- tion to the Government if the Government has no more to say to Mr. Gandhi's suggestion than it said in its declarations of last Tuesday.
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