Wavell Plan - 1945: Background of the political context, Detailed Proposal including governance reconstruction, Stances of the Muslim League and Congress, and Wavell’s Mistake.
The war in Europe ended in May 1945, but the Japanese threat remained. The Conservative government in Britain, led by Churchill, was eager to resolve the constitutional question in India. Viceroy Lord Wavell was authorized to start negotiations with Indian leaders, leading to the release of Congress leaders from jail in June 1945.
Upcoming General Election: The general election in England was scheduled for mid-1945, and the Conservatives wanted to be seen as sincere in reaching a solution.
Pressure from Allies: The Allies pressured Britain to seek further Indian cooperation in the war.
Diverting Indian Energies: The government aimed to divert Indian energies into channels more profitable for the British.
The League insisted that all Muslim members be League nominees, fearing that the inclusion of other minorities (depressed classes, Sikhs, Christians, etc.) who shared Congress’s aims would reduce the League to a one-third minority.
The League sought some form of veto in the council, requiring a two-thirds majority for decisions opposed by Muslims.
The Congress objected to the plan as it reduced the Congress to the status of a purely caste Hindu party and insisted on its right to include members of all communities among its nominees.
Wavell announced a breakdown of talks, effectively giving the League a virtual veto. This strengthened the League's position, as evident from the 1945-46 elections, boosted Jinnah’s standing, and exposed the true character of Churchill's Conservative government.
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