Gandhiji equated the fight for Swaraj with these three freedoms because he understood that they were the essential pillars of self-rule and the foundation of a modern nation. He believed that true freedom (Swaraj) was not just about ending British political rule, but about empowering every individual. Liberty of speech and the press were crucial for expressing grievances, debating ideas, and mobilising public opinion against colonial oppression. Freedom of association was necessary to organise protests and build a unified national movement. For Gandhi, without these fundamental rights, a nation could not be considered truly free or democratic.