The resolution of Purna Swaraj adopted by the All-India Congress in Lahore resuscitated nationalist spirit, despite the hardships caused by the international economic crisis of 1930. According to official reports the resolution of independence and the decision to celebrate Independence Day on 26 January initially aroused little enthusiasm in Bengal. The major reason, as cited by the magistrate of Rangpur was ‘rivalry of leadership and split in the Congress itself’.

Yet as Gandhi launched his Dandi March and placed before the public a positive programme, the salt satyagraha, enthusiasm for civil disobedience developed rapidly in Bengal. An All-Bengal Council of Civil Disobedience was formed and it was decided to violate the salt law in the coastal districts of Chattogram, Noakhali, Barisal, Khulna, 24 Parganas and Midnapur. Every district was to form a civil disobedience committee comprised of the important personalities of the district suder and mahakuma and also make provisions for raising funds. The civil disobedience movement, with its clear anti-imperialist agenda, once again helped to crystallize efforts towards linking elite politics and the relatively spontaneous politics of the people into an organized movement.

The civil disobedience movement in Bengal was organized by special Congress district civil disobedience committees which were affiliated to the local Congress committees. Satyagraha camps were organized to train volunteers who would spread the message of civil disobedience to the far corners of the province and carry on the movement.