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Rajagopalachari Formula, Desai-Liaquat Pact and Wavell Plan

June 6, 2024 988 0

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
    • 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.
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  • 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
    • 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.
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 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

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 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
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Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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