Delve into the Delhi Manifesto of 1929 and its pivotal role in India's constitutional journey, including the meeting with Lord Irwin that escalated tensions leading to future confrontations.

The Delhi Manifesto of November 1929 was a landmark declaration in the Indian freedom struggle, where leading Congress leaders set clear conditions for attending the Round Table Conference. This move highlighted their demand for dominion status, amnesty for political prisoners, and majority representation for the Congress. However, its rejection by Lord Irwin soon escalated tensions towards open confrontation.

Key Provisions of the Delhi Manifesto (1929) and Path to Confrontation

• The Delhi Manifesto presented by Indian leaders outlined crucial political demands before participating in the Round Table Conference.
  • (i) Conference of Leaders: Senior Congress leaders, including Motilal Nehru and Gandhi, jointly issued the manifesto on 2 November 1929.
  • (ii) Key Conditions: The manifesto emphasized three vital points:
    • (a) The Round Table Conference must focus on framing a dominion status constitution, not debating whether or when it would be granted.
    • (b) Congress should hold majority representation in the conference discussions.
    • (c) A broad amnesty for political prisoners and a policy of conciliation were necessary steps before cooperation.

• Meeting with Lord Irwin and Political Confrontation

  The rejection of the Delhi Manifesto by Lord Irwin deepened mistrust and set the stage for a more assertive freedom struggle.

  • Discussion on the Round Table Conference

    • (i) Gandhi, Motilal Nehru, and other leaders met Lord Irwin in December 1929.
    • (ii) They sought assurances that the conference would genuinely work towards drafting a dominion status constitution.

  • Lord Irwin’s Rejection of Demands

    • (a) Lord Irwin refused to accept the conditions of the Delhi Manifesto.
    • (b) He clarified that the Round Table Conference was not intended to draft a dominion status constitution.
    • (c) This rejection directly pushed the Congress leadership towards radical confrontation with British authorities.

• Summary of the Delhi Manifesto and Its Significance

  The Delhi Manifesto (1929) was a bold political statement demanding dominion status, Congress representation, and amnesty for prisoners. The outright rejection by Lord Irwin intensified the political deadlock, ultimately preparing the ground for the Civil Disobedience Movement of 1930. This manifesto thus remains a turning point in India’s march towards independence.