Freedom Movement in Midnapore

The history of the freedom movement in Contai– the south-west sub-division of Midnapore in West Bengal, is a history of unique importance. It is unique in the sense that in respect of its geographical situation, natural resources and economic strength, socio-religious and socio cultural traits and traditions and also in respect of its historical trends and legacies Contai of the colonial period held exclusively a place quite apart from all the other parts of India. It is quite certain that in respect of its origin, growth and character the freedom movement in Contai constituted an integral part of the all-India freedom movement, but at the same time it is also certain that the issues and dimensions and dynamics of the Contai movement hold altogether a new picture, and make it clear that the character of the Contai politics in spite of having its all-India general characteristics is always, to very great extent, local. This is the uniqueness of the freedom movement of Contai.
The Contai Congress was all along loyal to the AICC. It had every faith in Gandhi ideals. It supported wholeheartedly the all India national movement and it had the strong feeling that if the Gandhi ideals and the programme of constructing the nation were followed wholeheartedly the ‘pararaj’ would surely collapse and India would surely attain ‘swaraj’. In spite of this faith and feeling the Contai Congress never conduct the national movement it very became a satellite of the AICC. To often devised its own strategy to stand against the alien rule. The Anti-Union Board Movement(1920-1921), the Non co-operation Movement (1920-1922), the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934) and the Quit India Movement (1942-1944) were ample proofs of this attitude and feeling of the Contai Congress. This is the distinctiveness of the Contai Congress and its uniqueness too.