What were the main demands put forward by Gandhiji in his letter dated 31st January 1930 to Viceroy ? What was the object and importance of Salt Tax ?
(a) After the Lahore session of Congress 26 January 1930 was celebrated as Independence Day. At Lahore resolution for ‘Purna Swaraj’ was passed. So in order to achieve this Gandhiji was authorised to start a movement. Before starting a movement, Gandhiji wrote a letter on 31st January 1930 stating the demands which were wide ranging to include all classes within Indian society. (b) The abolition of Salt Tax was the most important demand because salt was consumed by the rich as well as poor. It was one of the most essential items of food. The monopoly of the government over its production revealed the most oppressive policy of the British government. , So to attract each and everyone into the movement, Gandhiji included abolition of salt tax in his eleven demands. The demands were, however, not accepted by the Viceroy. The ground for the start of Civil Disobedience Movement or Salt Satyagraha was now ready.
