Explain the concept of Swaraj Party and its role in Mahatma Gandhi's political strategy.

The Swaraj Party was a political party formed in 1923 by a group of Indian National Congress members who were dissatisfied with the party's moderate approach towards British rule in India. Led by Chittaranjan Das and Motilal Nehru, the Swaraj Party aimed to push for complete self-rule or "swaraj" in India.

Mahatma Gandhi, although not a member of the Swaraj Party, played a significant role in shaping its political strategy. He believed that the party could serve as a platform to mobilize public opinion and create a united front against British rule. Gandhi's influence on the Swaraj Party was evident in its adoption of nonviolent resistance as a means to achieve independence.

The Swaraj Party's main objective was to contest elections and gain seats in the legislative councils established by the British government. Once elected, the party aimed to use these platforms to advocate for self-rule and challenge British policies. The party's strategy involved both parliamentary and non-cooperation methods, with members participating in legislative debates while also organizing protests, boycotts, and civil disobedience campaigns.

Gandhi saw the Swaraj Party as a means to bridge the gap between the moderates and the more radical factions within the Indian National Congress. He believed that by working within the existing political system, the party could effectively challenge British rule and gain support from a wider range of Indians.

However, the Swaraj Party faced challenges and criticism from various quarters. Some accused the party of compromising with the British and diluting the spirit of the freedom movement. Others believed that participating in elections and legislative councils would only legitimize British rule.

Ultimately, the Swaraj Party's role in Mahatma Gandhi's political strategy was to provide a platform for political engagement and mobilization, combining parliamentary methods with nonviolent resistance. While the party did not achieve its ultimate goal of complete self-rule, it played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of the time and laying the groundwork for future independence movements in India.