Wavell Plan - 1945: Background of the political context, Detailed Proposal including governance reconstruction, Stances of the Muslim League and Congress, and Wavell’s Mistake.

Historical Context of the Wavell Plan and Its Impact on Indian Independence

• The Second World War ended in Europe in May 1945, but the Japanese threat in Asia persisted. The Conservative government in Britain, led by Winston Churchill, sought to address the constitutional crisis in India. Lord Wavell, the Viceroy, initiated negotiations with Indian leaders, beginning with the release of Congress leaders from jail in June 1945.

Why the British Government Was Eager to Resolve the Indian Constitutional Crisis

• Impact of Upcoming British General Elections in 1945: The ruling Conservative Party aimed to present itself as earnest in resolving India's constitutional issues.
• Allied Pressure During World War II: Britain faced growing pressure from its Allies to ensure India's cooperation in the war effort.
• Strategic Focus on Redirecting Indian Efforts: The British government sought to align Indian resources with its own strategic interests.

Key Features of the Wavell Plan - A Step Toward Indian Self-Governance

• Reconstruction of the Executive Council: The Executive Council was to be restructured as an interim body until a new constitution was framed.
• Inclusion of Indian Members: All members of the Executive Council, except the Governor-General and the Commander-in-Chief, were to be Indians.
• Equal Representation for Hindus and Muslims: Equal seats were proposed for caste Hindus and Muslims in the council.
• Functioning Under the Government of India Act, 1935: The interim government would operate under the 1935 Act, with limited accountability to the Central Assembly.
• Governor-General’s Veto Powers: The Governor-General retained veto powers, advised by the council’s ministers.
• Nomination Process: Political parties could jointly nominate Executive Council members. Failing consensus, separate lists would be submitted.
• Post-War Constitutional Discussions: Further negotiations for drafting India's constitution were deferred to the post-war period.

Stance of the All-India Muslim League on the Wavell Plan

• The Muslim League insisted that all Muslim members of the Executive Council should be its nominees, fearing inclusion of other minorities might dilute its influence.
• To safeguard Muslim interests, the League proposed a veto mechanism, requiring a two-thirds majority for decisions opposed by Muslims.

Response of the Indian National Congress to the Wavell Plan

• The Congress Party rejected the plan as it portrayed Congress as a caste Hindu organization. The party demanded the right to nominate members from all Indian communities.

Critical Errors by Lord Wavell and Their Repercussions

• Lord Wavell prematurely declared the failure of negotiations, inadvertently strengthening the Muslim League’s political position. This error contributed to the League's success in the 1945-46 elections and heightened Jinnah’s influence.