Introduction
During the struggle for Indian independence, several proposals and agreements were put forward by both Indian leaders and British officials in an attempt to find a resolution to the political deadlock. Among these were the Rajagopalachari Formula, the Desai-Liaquat Pact, and the Wavell Plan. These initiatives emerged during a critical period marked by heightened tensions between the Indian National Congress and the British government, each reflecting different approaches towards addressing the demands for self-governance and communal harmony in India. Rajagopalachari Formula (1944)
- C. Rajagopalachari (CR), prepared a formula for Congress-League cooperation.
- Tacit Acceptance of Pakistan: It was a tacit acceptance of the League’s demand for Pakistan, supported by Gandhi.
- Main Points
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- Muslim League to endorse Congress’s demand for independence.
- Provisional Central Government: Cooperation in forming a provisional government at the center.
- Plebiscite Proposal: After the end of the war, the entire population of Muslim majority areas in North-West and North-East India decided by a plebiscite, whether or not to form a separate sovereign state.
- Conditions for Partition: If partition is agreed upon, there should be a joint agreement to safeguard defence, commerce, and communications.
- The effectiveness of these terms is contingent upon England transferring full powers to India.
- Issue: Jinnah wanted the Congress to accept the two-nation theory.
- He wanted only the Muslims of North-West and North-East to vote in the plebiscite and not the entire population. He also opposed the idea of a common centre.
Desai-Liaquat Pact
- Objective: Attempt to break the deadlock between Congress and the Muslim League.
- Leaders Involved: Bhulabhai Desai (Congress) and Liaqat Ali Khan (Muslim League).
- Interim Government Proposal: Equal representation from Congress and League in the central legislature for an interim government and 20% reserved seats for minorities.
- Outcome: No agreement was reached on these terms. Congress and Muslim League came to parity.
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Wavell Plan (1945) and Shimla Conference
- Post-War Context: The war in Europe concluded in May 1945, but the Japanese threat persisted.
- The Conservative government in Britain, led by Churchill, aimed to address India’s constitutional question.
- Lord Wavell, the viceroy, was given permission to initiate negotiations with Indian leaders.
- Features:
- Indian Majority in Executive Council: All members, except the governor-general and commander-in-chief, to be Indians.
- Equal Representation for Caste Hindus and Muslims.
- Interim Government Framework: The reconstructed council to function as an interim government within the 1935 Act’s framework.
- Governor General’s Veto: Governor-general to exercise veto based on ministerial advice.
- Joint Party Representation: Representatives from different parties to submit a joint or separate list for council nominations.
- Post-war negotiations possibilities on a new constitution have been kept open.
- Muslim League’s Stand
- Nomination Preference: League insisted on all Muslim members being nominees of the Muslim League.
- Veto Power: Sought a veto in the council, requiring a two-thirds majority for decisions opposed to Muslim interests.
- Congress’s Stand
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- Caste Hindu Party Concern: Congress objected, viewing the plan as an attempt to reduce it to a purely caste Hindu party. It rather insisted on the right to include members from all communities among its nominees.
- Wavell’s Announcement: Wavell announced a breakdown of talks thus giving the League a virtual veto.
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Conclusion
- The Rajagopalachari Formula, Desai-Liaquat Pact, and Wavell Plan were significant attempts to address the complex issues surrounding India’s struggle for independence and partition.
- While each initiative including the Rajagopalachar formula aimed to solve the political deadlock, they ultimately reflected the challenges of reconciling conflicting interests and visions among different parties.
- Despite their limitations, these efforts underscored the complexities inherent in the path towards Indian independence and partition.