EFFORTS TO AVOID PARTITION

Rajagopalachari Formula
- C. Rajagopalachari (CR) prepared a cooperation formula in 1944.
- Tacit acceptance of Pakistan demand; supported by Gandhi.
Main Points:
- Muslim League to endorse Congress demand for independence.
- League + Congress to form provisional government.
- Plebiscite in Muslim-majority NW & NE regions after war.
- Joint safeguards on defence, commerce if partition accepted.
- Plan valid only if Britain transferred full powers.

Objections:
- Jinnah demanded acceptance of two-nation theory.
- Wanted only Muslims to vote in plebiscite.
- Opposed a common centre.
- Hindu leaders like Savarkar condemned the plan.

Desai–Liaqat Pact
- Draft proposal for interim government.
Key Points:
- Equal number of Congress & League nominees.
- 20% seats reserved for minorities.
- No agreement achieved, but parity principle had lasting impact.

Wavell Plan (1945)
Background:
- British elections upcoming; wanted to show sincerity.
- Allied pressure for Indian support in war.
- Congress leaders released from jail.

Main Proposals:
- Executive Council to have only Indians except Viceroy & C-in-C.
- Equal representation for caste Hindus & Muslims.
- Interim government under 1935 Act.
- Viceroy to use veto with ministers’ advice.
- Joint lists from parties; separate lists allowed if no consensus.

Shimla Conference:
- Held June 1945; attended by Gandhi, Jinnah, etc.
- Failed due to League–Congress differences.
League Demands:
- Only League to nominate all Muslim members.
- Veto power on constitutional proposals.
Congress Position:
- Congress would nominate members from all communities.
- Rejected reducing Congress to Hindu-only party.

Outcome:
- Conference failed; Wavell announced breakdown.
- Strengthened League’s bargaining power.
- Set stage for Cabinet Mission of 1946.

---

PDF File:

No PDF attached

---

Subject: Modern History

← Back