Uncover the key events leading to the Congress ministries’ resignation in 1939, British colonial responses, Viceroy Linlithgow’s statement, and the historic implications of the Pakistan Resolution during India's fight for independence.
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Government Attitude and Congress Ministries’ Resignation
Government Response
Date: October 17, 1939
Statement by Viceroy Linlithgow:
Refused to define British war aims beyond resisting aggression.
Promised to consult various Indian representatives and princes regarding modifications to the Act of 1935.
Announced the formation of a "consultative committee" for advice when needed.
Government’s Hidden Agenda
Policy: To regain lost ground from Congress by provoking confrontation and acquiring draconian powers.
Pre-War Actions:
Amendment of the 1935 Act for emergency powers in the Centre.
Enforcement of Defence of India Ordinance restricting civil liberties.
Preparation of Draft Revolutionary Movement Ordinance in May 1940 for pre-emptive strikes against Congress.
International Reaction: Support from British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Secretary of State Zetland, branding Congress as a Hindu organization.
Gandhi’s Reaction: Criticized British insensitivity, stating no democracy for India if Britain could prevent it.
Congress Ministries’ Resignation
Date: October 23, 1939
CWC Decision:
Rejected Linlithgow’s statement as a reiteration of old imperialist policies.
Decided not to support the war.
Called upon Congress ministries to resign from provincial governments.
Debate on Immediate Mass Satyagraha
Post-Linlithgow Statement: Debate over immediate mass struggle began.
Gandhi’s View:
Opposed immediate struggle due to Allied cause being just, communal sensitivities, disorganization of Congress, and readiness of masses.
Advocated strengthening Congress, political work among masses, and exhausting negotiation possibilities before starting a struggle.
Nehru’s Position: Advocated for complete independence as a precondition for support.
Bose’s Stand: Emphasized taking advantage of Britain’s difficulty for India’s freedom, favoring direct action against colonial government.
Ramgarh Session
Date: March 1940
Decisions:
Unanimous agreement on waging a battle for independence.
Decision to leave the form and timing of struggle to Gandhi.
Gandhi favored continued cooperation at the provincial level and moral support during the war on a non-violent basis.
Nehru reiterated the necessity of complete independence for Congress support.
Bose continued advocating for direct action and seizing the opportunity from Britain’s difficulties.
Congress Declaration:
Acceptance of nothing short of complete independence.
Rejection of dominion status or any form of imperial structure.
Sovereignty to rest with the people in both princely states and provinces.
Decision to resort to civil disobedience when Congress is deemed fit or circumstances create a crisis.
Pakistan Resolution
Date: March 1940
Resolution:
Grouping of geographically contiguous areas with Muslim majorities (North-West, East) into independent states.
Constituent units to be autonomous and sovereign.
Provision of adequate safeguards for Muslims in minority areas.
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