Rajagopalachari Formula (CR Plan) - 1944: Context, including the formula for Congress-League cooperation; Main Points such as endorsement of independence, plebiscite terms, and objections from Jinnah and Hindu leaders.

Context: Addressing the Constitutional Crisis

• C. Rajagopalachari, a veteran Congress leader, prepared a formula for Congress-League cooperation to address the ongoing constitutional crisis in India.
• The formula was an implicit acceptance of the Muslim League's demand for Pakistan, aimed at securing cooperation between the Congress and the League.

Main Points of the CR Plan: Key Provisions

• Endorsement of Independence: The Muslim League was to endorse Congress's demand for independence.
• Provisional Government: The League would cooperate with Congress in forming a provisional government at the center.
• Plebiscite Post-War: After the war, the entire population of Muslim-majority areas in North-West and North-East India would decide via plebiscite whether to form a separate sovereign state.
• Partition Terms: If partition was accepted, both sides would jointly safeguard defense, commerce, communications, etc.
• Condition: These terms would only be effective if England transferred full powers to India.

Objections to the CR Plan: Opposition from Various Groups

• Jinnah’s Demands:
  • Jinnah wanted the Congress to accept the two-nation theory.
  • He wanted only the Muslims in North-West and North-East India to vote in the plebiscite.
  • He opposed the idea of a common center.
• Congress's Position: The Congress was willing to cooperate for the independence of the Indian Union but not interested in a separate nation.
• Hindu Leaders' Response: Hindu leaders like Vir Savarkar condemned the CR Plan.