ABSTRACT
United front partners focused on policies that might initiate the desired transformation, especially collective affiliation and external agitation and the countering of the apparent tendency toward constitutionalism in the Congress. Yet Congress leaders opposed the proposed transformation and sought to limit socialist and communist influence. To transform the Congress into an authentic anti-imperialist united front, socialists and communists maintained that they must overcome the reactionary tendencies of constitutionalism. The Lucknow Congress promised to produce for the electorate a manifesto "explaining the political and economic policy of the Congress". It also permitted Congressmen to stand for election, opening the door for constitutionalism. For a few months after the Lucknow session, Jawaharlal Nehru appeared to be pushing Congressmen toward transforming the Congress into the united front. But his personal agitation received a hostile reception among assorted Working Committee members who disagreed with his socialism and with his proselytizing about the united front.
