A united front

Lahore, Saturday, November 22, 1924

It is impossible to think of two men who differ more widely or more fundamentally from each other in their temperament, training, experience of public life and their whole outlook upon public questions than do Lala Lajpat Rai and Sir C. Setalvad. And when two such men, approaching the question naturally from different, in fact, opposite points of view, come to virtually the same conclusion regarding the immediate prospects of unity between the two main wings of the national party, it cannot be a case of mere coincidence. While both Rai and Setalvad have grave doubts if a united political organisation is possible or even desirable so long as the present mentalities of the parties are not changed, both believe in a united front, which, they agree, is quite possible without the parties forming parts of the same organisation. What Rai suggests is undoubtedly the next best thing, namely, that even without the country having a united political organisation, it should offer a united front against repression and make a united demand for a change of the Constitution and a united effort to achieve it. But the difference between the best and the next best in this case is substantial, even if we could be clear in our mind as to the practicability of his suggestion. After all, the question is essentially one of the machinery by which the united front is to be offered, the united demand to be formulated and made, and the united effort to be organised and put forth. Is this machinery to be devised in each case as the occasion arises and suits the convenience of leaders of the parties?