Oral history transcript 29

Then, his criticism of Gandhiji that he goes by certain religious ideology which has no definite social, economic and revolutionary concepts. So how could he bring about a revolution through a compromi se? This was the thrust of Roy's comments.

I went from my hometown to Poona where he gave three lectures on Marxism and I heard them. He wa not an eloquent speaker. He used to put his points logically. I was deeply impressed by his personality. And I thought that he was the man who was associated with the 1931 resolution, he should have a prominent role in the leadership of the congress so that he could influence the congress leadership, its policies and their formulation in days to come. That is how I came under his influence. It is in this sense that I was part or Roy's gourp. But I can't say that I was a Royist, int the sense V. M. Tarkunde, V. B. Karnik and Lakshman Shastri were. They were deeply and intellectually involved and their commitments were total.

Sharma :  In Roy's book India's Message there is a criticism of Gandhiji.

Chavan :  He often criticised Gandhiji. That criticism in the earlier stages appealed to me also and seemed to be logical.

Sharma :  How was he as a Spekaer ?

Chavan :  He was a great conversationalist, but I don't think he was very impressive as a speaker. I heard his three lectures in Poona which were interesting.

Sharma :  He could put his ideas across to the audience?

Chavan :  He did put his ideas across to the audience in a very clear-cut propositions.