FREEDOM MOVEMENT IN BALASORE AND ROLE OF CONGRESS

Abstract

Freedom struggle in Orissa coincided with the Oriya movement, a powerful regional movement, spearheaded by Utkal Union Conference. It aimed at the unification of Oriya speaking tracts into one administrative unit. These two distinct movements, at a time hostile to each other and often merging into one, put the Oriya people and their leaders in a dilemma. Consequently Orissa remained aloof from national mainstream for quite a long time. Though Oriya movement became the main theme of the political activities, the Oriya joined the national mainstream especially after the emergence of Gandhi on the national scene in the 1920’s. Orissa hereafter played her role in all phases of Gandhian struggle, viz. Non-Cooperation movement, Salt Satyagraha, Quit India Movement and State People’s Movement. The coastal district of Orissa became important centres of the political activities and the district of Balasore played admirably a key role.