Why did ficci support gandhi in civil disobedience movement?
Answers
The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry ( FICCI 1927 ) supported the Gandhi in Civil Disobedience Movement because of colonial economic policies. The British imposed various restrictions on trade and commerce and implemented high tariffs on Indian goods to restrict their sale. These businessman and industrialists were of the firm belief that the Freedom or Self determination would end the colonial restrictions on business and trade and commerce will flourish, that is why the supported Gandhi in Civil Disobedience Movement.
Walchand Hirachand wrote to the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry(FICCI), urging the union to stop being neutral.
He said,“if the government oflndiadidnot wish to see eye to eye with Indian commercial opinion, we will be obliged to throw in our lot with those that are fighting with the Government for Swaraj.
" Gandhi, at the annual meeting of FICCI in 1931 suggested that the federation should accept Congress as its own party and take charge of the freedom movement on condition that they regulate their commerce for the benefit of the toiling masses.
Many prominent members of FICCI like G D Birla and Thakurdas who presided over some of the sessions, were convinced that unless Indian business organised itself effectively, the British Government of India would safeguard only its own interests of European business.