UPSC Prelims 2020 question on Gandhism and Marxism

The similarity and dissimilarity between Gandhism and Marxism:

Conception of Ideal State: There is a great similarity between Mahatma Gandhi and Karl Marx. However, while the final aim of both of them is the establishment of a stateless and classless society, their means for achieving this aim are different. Mahatma Gandhi wanted to achieve this end through non-violent means but Marx wanted to achieve it through violent means.

Capitalism: Though both Mahatma Gandhi and Karl Marx were opposed to capitalism and exploitation, yet they propagated different means to remove capitalism — Gandhi through economic decentralization by encouraging cottage industries, while Marx through violent revolution.

Spirituality vs. Materialism: Mahatma Gandhi was decisively a spiritualist; Karl Marx considered religion as opium for the workers.

Ends and Means: Gandhi was not in favour of using violent means for achieving a good end, whereas Marxists believe that ends justify the means.

Hence option (a) — the final goal of a stateless society — is the correct and common agreement between Gandhism and Marxism.