In 1934 Mahatma Gandhi withdrew from active politics and even resigned from the Indian National Congress. What was the main reason for this decision?

Introduction / Context:
This question concerns an important phase in the Indian national movement during the 1930s. After leading several mass movements, including the Non Cooperation and Civil Disobedience movements, Mahatma Gandhi temporarily stepped back from active politics. In 1934 he resigned from the Indian National Congress. Understanding Gandhi s reasons for this step provides insight into his broader strategy and priorities, which included constructive work at the grassroots level in addition to mass agitation.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The question focuses on the year 1934 and Gandhis decision to withdraw from active politics.
- It asks for the main reason behind his resignation from the Congress.
- The options mention the failure of Civil Disobedience, unsuitability of political climate, his desire for constructive work and Harijan welfare, opposition to council entry and total retirement from public life.
- We assume the question expects the well documented reason emphasised by historians: his wish to focus on constructive programmes, especially work for Harijans.

Concept / Approach:
Although the Civil Disobedience Movement had been suspended and there were debates within the Congress about future strategy, Gandhis decision to withdraw in 1934 was driven mainly by his emphasis on constructive work. He believed that spinning, village industries, removal of untouchability and uplift of Harijans, along with education and social reform, were essential for building a strong foundation for real swaraj. He felt he could not devote sufficient energy to these tasks while remaining bound by routine party politics. The approach is to distinguish between immediate political setbacks and his long term constructive programme, and to select the option that reflects his own stated priorities.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that after the Civil Disobedience Movement, Gandhi reassessed methods of struggle and turned increasingly towards constructive work. Step 2: Recognise that in 1934 he resigned from the Congress, even though the organisation continued under other leaders. Step 3: Remember that Gandhi repeatedly stated that removal of untouchability and improvement of the condition of Harijans were central to his mission. Step 4: Note that he believed spinning, village uplift and social reform were as important as, or even more important than, direct political agitation. Step 5: From the options, identify the one that explicitly mentions his desire to devote himself fully to constructive work and Harijan welfare and select it as the correct reason.

Verification / Alternative check:
Verification can be done by recalling Gandhis statements and actions in the mid 1930s, where he led campaigns against untouchability, promoted the Harijan Sevak Sangh and focused on rural reconstruction. Historians consistently point out that his resignation from Congress posts was not a retirement from public service but a shift of focus from formal party politics to social and constructive work. The Government of India Act of 1935 and debates on council entry were important, but they were not the primary cause of his withdrawal in 1934, which confirms the selected option.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
The failure of the Civil Disobedience Movement made further struggle impossible: Although the movement had been suspended, Gandhi did not believe further struggle was impossible; he simply chose a different path for a time.
The political climate of India was completely unsuitable for any mass movement: Gandhi did not describe the climate in such absolute terms; he remained open to future struggles.
He opposed the desire of Congress leaders to enter legislatures under the Government of India Act of 1935: While he had reservations about council entry, this was not the main reason for his resignation in 1934.
He wished to retire permanently from all public life: Gandhi remained active in public life through constructive programmes and influence, so he did not retire completely.

Common Pitfalls:
A frequent mistake is to attribute Gandhis withdrawal solely to the failure of the Civil Disobedience Movement, assuming a direct link between a political setback and his resignation. Another pitfall is to focus on legislative politics and think that opposition to council entry was the decisive factor. In reality, Gandhi shifted his energy to long term social reforms, especially Harijan welfare, and did not abandon public work. Understanding the dual track of his strategy, combining agitation with constructive work, helps avoid these misunderstandings.

Final Answer:
In 1934 Gandhi withdrew from active politics and resigned from the Congress mainly because he wanted to devote himself fully to constructive work and the welfare of Harijans.