यशवंतराव चव्हाण यांचे समाजकारण : ६६

Political independence was more vital and important to him. So he preferred Tilak to Agarkar and also Mahatma Phule. This does not mean at all that he had no regards and respects for Agarkar, Phule and also Shahu Maharaj. His views were balanced. The "Kesari" of Poona described Shahu Maharaj as a leader of anti-Nationalist and British politicians who had encouraged non-Brahmin Party for their benefit. These were the views of Tilak also. No doubt the British Government was engaged in divide and rule. But actually the followers of Mahatma Phule and Shahu Maharaj worked more for socio-religious independence. Also Dr. Ambedkar had the same opinion.

After the death of Shahu Maharaj of Kolhapur, mainly satyashodhak non-Brahmin leaders and social workers took part in anti-British movements. The non-Brahmin party was dispersed and almost all entered the Congress of Gandhi and Nehru. This socio-political change served as a base for Yashwantrao. Not only Yashwantrao embraced the Congress but almost all followers of Mahatma Phule accepted the non-co-operation movement of Gandhiji.

Chavan became parliamentary secretary when B. G. Kher was the Chief Minister and Morarji was his Deputy in 1946. The Congress was in the hands of Deo-Devagirekar and Kher. Also Jedhe-More and the other leaders of masses did not like the narrow behaviour of Deo-Devagirekar and Jedhe-More asked the permission to establish "Shetkari Sangh" within the Congress. But the permission was not granted. "Jedhe-More" left Congress after 1947/48 and established separate party. Chavan thought that provincial party would not be useful in the long run and he remained in Congress as before. Slowly he himself acquired control over Maharashtra Provincial Congress Party after removing the old leadership of Shankarrao Deo. The new rural leadership came in power and the urban leadership was thrown into the background.

Jedhe-More again joined Congress eventhough they were the founders of "Shetkari Kamgar Party". This was the effect of Chavan's politics on Maharashtra.

In Madras province, the justice (non-Brahmin Party) took the new form of D. M. K. and A. D. M. K. Even today these movements are alive. In Maharashtra, all inhabitants are of the same race and Hindi and Marathi languages are much more nearer to each other. The Provincial Party like Shetkari Kamgar Party in Maharashtra could not prosper and failed to come in power. Chavan had qualities to attract the leaders of opposite parties. He adopted them and adjusted them and even they were accomodated in power. For instance, Yashwantrao Mohite and many others. Chavan was a skillful organiser and he was successful in crubing the growth of anti-Congress Parties.