Wavell Plan - 1945: Background of the political context, Detailed Proposal including governance reconstruction, Stances of the Muslim League and Congress, and Wavell’s Mistake.
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Wavell Plan - 1945
Background
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.
Reasons for Government's Keenness on a Solution
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 Wavell Plan
Executive Council Reconstruction: The plan proposed reconstructing the governor-general’s executive council, pending a new constitution.
Indian Representation: All members of the executive council, except the governor-general and the commander-in-chief, were to be Indians.
Equal Representation: Caste Hindus and Muslims were to have equal representation.
Interim Government: The council was to function as an interim government under the 1935 Act, not responsible to the Central Assembly.
Veto Power: The governor-general would exercise his veto on the advice of ministers.
Nomination Process: Parties were to submit a joint list for nominations to the council; if not possible, separate lists were allowed.
Future Negotiations: Possibilities were kept open for negotiations on a new constitution after the war.
Muslim League's Stand
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.
Congress's Stand
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’s Mistake
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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