Wavell Plan

2020-04-27 15:21:57

C Rajgopalachari Formula May 1944

Solve deadlock b/w ML and INC. Jinnah wanted the Congress to accept the 2 nation theory. A constitutional solution was sought.
He prepared a formula for Congress-League cooperation. It was a tacit acceptance of League's demand for Pakistan.
Gandhiji supported this formula.
Core principle was the plebiscite of all the people in Muslim majority regions.
ML should endorse the demand for complete independence and in formation of provisional interim gov at the centre.
Demarcate districts with Muslim majority in North West and North East India -> plebiscite to be conducted on all inhabitants basis of adult suffrage on whether they wanted to form a separate sovereign state. #important
Agreement would be made for defence, Communication and transport etc.
terms would be binding only in case of transfer of power.
If partition was accepted agreement to be made jointly for safeguarding defence, commerce and communications.

secret talk for future coalition govt.
Liaquat gave up the demand for separate Muslim state in turn for parity of Muslims to Hindus in council of ministers.
League was accepted as representatives of Muslims.

Gandhiji was released on May 6 1944 and political activity was revived.
Viceroy was certain of an impending struggle to pre-empt this he started formulating the Wavell offer or the Simla agreement.
Congress leaders were released to participate in the Simla conference in 1945 which marked the end of the struggle since 1942.
Conservative gov led by Churchill was also keen to reach a solution on the constitutional question in India.
- was proposed in Shimla on June 1945 - is called the Simla Conference.

Except Gov Gen and Commander in Chief all mem of executive council to be Indian.
- This council was to function as an interim gov under 1935 Act.
Caste Hindus and Muslims to have equal representation.
Gov Gen was to exercise veto on advise of ministers.
Representative of different parties to submit joint list to the viceroy for nomination to exec council.
New constitution once war was finally won.

The League claimed some kind of a veto in the council. Congress objected as it would reduce it to the stauts of a purely caste Hindu party.
Wavell announced breakdown of talks this gave League a virtual veto, strengthened its position.