I say this, not because I am a sycophant of Gandhi, but here’s what he himself had to say to his father as a reply to his father’s mercy petition :

“My life is not so precious, at least to me, as you may probably think it to be. It is not at all worth buying at the cost of my principles. There are other comrades of mine whose case is as serious as that of mine. We had adopted a common policy and we shall stand to the last, no matter how dearly we have to pay individually for it. Father, I am quite perplexed. I fear I might overlook the ordinary principles of etiquette and my language may become a little bit harsh while criticizing or censuring this move on your part. Let me be candid. I feel as though I have been stabbed in the back. Had any other person done it, I would have considered it to be nothing short of treachery. But in your case, let me say that it has been a weakness – a weakness of the worst type. This was the time when everybody’s mettle was being tested. Let me say, father, that you have failed. I know you are as sincere a patriot as one can be. I know you have devoted your life to the cause of Indian independence, but why, at this moment, have you displayed such a weakness? I cannot understand. In the end, I would like to inform you and my other friends and all the people interested in my case, that I have not approved of your move. I want that the public should know all the details about this complication, and therefore, I request you to publish this letter. Your loving son, Bhagat Singh.”

This is taken from The Marxist -> Bhagat Singh – An Immortal Revolutionary -> Ashok Dhawale, http://www.cpim.org

Hence, while scholars may infer Gandhi’s lack of will in the issue, Bhagat would not have launched a scathing attack on Gandhi, like he did on his father his father, had he succeeded in doing what you are criticizing him for.