Who championed the idea of 'Democratic Socialism'?

Ram Manohar Lohia

***The correct answer is option 1 - Ram Manohar Lohia***

Ram Manohar Lohia has been one of the main proponents of socialism in India. He championed the idea of ‘Democratic Socialism’ while associating his socialism with democracy. Lohia considered both capitalism and communism equally irrelevant for Indian society. His principle of Democratic Socialism has two objectives - the economic objective in form of food and housing and the non-economic objective in form of democracy and freedom. Lohia advocated Chouburja/Choukhambha Rajneeti in which he opines four pillars of politics as well as socialism: Centre, Region, District and Village – all are linked with each other. Giving consideration to affirmative action, Lohia argued that the policy of affirmative action should not only be for the downtrodden but also for women and non-religious minorities. Based on the premise of Democratic Socialism and Chouburja Rajneeti, Lohia supported a ‘Party of Socialism’ as an attempt to merge all political parties. The Party of Socialism according to Lohia should have three symbols, viz., Spade [prepared to make efforts], Vote [power of voting], and Prison [Willingness to make sacrifices].