Gopinath Bordoloi

Recently the Prime Minister recalled the 1946 Cabinet Mission Plan to highlight how Gopinath Bordoloi opposed Assam’s proposed grouping with Bengal, preventing its drift towards East Pakistan.

About Cabinet Mission Plan, 1946

• The Cabinet Mission aimed to devise a plan for transfer of power while addressing the demands of the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League.
• It sought to maintain the unity of India, while offering a constitutional framework for self-governance.
• It was Headed by Lord Pethick-Lawrence, Stafford Cripps,and A.V. Alexander.
• Provisions Affecting Assam
• • The Plan proposed a Federal Union, autonomous provinces, and intermediate provincial groupings.
  • Assam was grouped with Bengal in the eastern bloc, raising fears of domination by a Muslim-majority province.
  • Risk of Political Marginalisation: Assam leaders feared the grouping could later facilitate inclusion in East Pakistan, undermining Assam’s identity and autonomy.

About Gopinath Bordoloi

• Introduction: Gopinath Bordoloi was Assam’s first Chief Minister and a senior Congress leader deeply committed to protecting Assam’s political and cultural identity.
• Role in Safeguarding Assam: He strongly opposed Assam’s compulsory grouping with Bengal, defying Indian National Congress broader acceptance of the Cabinet Mission framework.
• The Assam Provincial Congress Committee, under his leadership, rejected the grouping outright.

Support from National Leaders

• Mahatma Gandhi: Gandhi fully backed Bordoloi, urging Assam to reject the Plan and even withdraw from the Constituent Assembly if necessary.
  • He declared that Assam must not lose its “soul”, even if it meant opposing the Congress leadership.
• Jawaharlal Nehru; Nehru supported Assam’s stand, stating that no province should be forced against its will.
  • He consistently maintained that Assam would not and should not be part of Pakistan, reinforcing Bordoloi’s position.

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Significance

Bordoloi’s resistance ensured Assam’s continued place within India, shaping the region’s post-Independence political future.

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