Explanations:The Congress party, during the early 20th century, was a major political force in India, aiming to unite various communities under a broad-based support system. One of the key challenges the Congress faced was the complex social and religious dynamics within Hindu society. The Sanatanis, a conservative Hindu group, were particularly influential and represented a significant portion of the Hindu population. The Sanatanis were opposed to social reforms that would challenge the traditional caste hierarchy, including the upliftment of Dalits (formerly known as "untouchables").
The Congress party, in its efforts to maintain a broad-based Hindu support base, often avoided addressing the concerns of Dalits directly. This was primarily due to the fear of offending the Sanatanis, who were a powerful conservative force within Hindu society. The Congress party's strategy was to avoid alienating any significant group within the Hindu community, as this could weaken their overall support and political influence.
It is important to understand the historical context of this period. The early 20th century was marked by intense social and political changes, including the rise of various nationalist and reformist movements. The Congress party, while advocating for Indian independence, also had to navigate the complex social landscape of India, which was deeply divided along caste lines. The Sanatanis, with their conservative views, were a significant force that the Congress party could not afford to alienate.
The fear of offending the Sanatanis was not the only factor influencing the Congress party's approach to Dalit issues, but it was a significant one. Other factors included the broader political landscape, the influence of other conservative groups, and the need to maintain a united front against British colonial rule. However, the specific fear of offending the Sanatanis was a key reason why the Congress party often ignored the Dalits for a long time.
Understanding this context helps to appreciate the complex interplay of social, religious, and political factors that shaped the Congress party's strategies during this period. It also highlights the challenges faced by political parties in addressing social reform in a deeply divided society.