Crisis in the North - Mensheviks Split

Betrayal on the Russian Frontier

Russia’s internal conflict is not just a struggle of politics—it marks a descent into chaos and betrayal. The Bolsheviks, once champions of revolution, now find themselves purged as they label their comrades, the Mensheviks, as traitors. This deception leaves Bolshevik comrades like Sofia Smidovich on edge, leading to Smidovich’s outburst in committee calling for immediate execution of all Mensheviks found. 

Now, Petrograd and Moscow have turned to bloody battlegrounds symbolic of the turmoil within Russia—not only does the nation fight against external entities, but also with itself. But within this turmoil can be found an advantage for the Bolsheviks. By eliminating dissent, the Bolsheviks now have complete control of the Russian government. But will unity built on bloodshed truly result in liberation, or will it sow the seeds for future conflict?

For India, the foreign nature of this conflict does not detract from its importance. The British Monarchy watches over the results of this conflict with a keen eye. A Bolshevik victory could ignite a revolutionary fervor within India, an outcome not wanted by the colonial power. But would these revolutionary ideals lead to a similar Autocratic environment as the one found within Russia? The Times believes this is an important point to consider. A Tsarist victory would be highly beneficial to the colonial empire, especially considering how it would not only reestablish order within Russia, but also repress the aspirations of millions of Indians wishing for independence from colonial masters. 

In the eyes of the Times of India, Russia’s plunge into disarray is a stark reminder that when unhooked from realism, revolution can destroy a nation rather than free it.

Sources:

• Sofia Smidovich of JCC Bolsheviks

https://www.britannica.com/event/Russian-Civil-War 

By Mitran Raja | 23 March 1920