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Lecture 8

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Lecture 8

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awaisqayoum777
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Muslim Delhi Proposal

In order to break the ice and to bridge the gulf between the Muslims League and Congress
so that they could present common demands before the British for the legislation of the
new Act, a group of prominent Muslims, mostly members of the two chambers of the
central met at Delhi on March 20, 1927. M.A. Jinnah presided over the session. The
proceedings were held in camera and lasted for almost seven hours. They knew that the
greatest constitutional contention between Muslim League and Congress was the matter of
electorate. Congress propagated joint electorates as to them separate electorates would
have weakened the foundations of the Indian nationalism. Whereas Muslim League out of
their insecurity of undermined representation were not ready to let go of their demand for
separate electorate. Jinnah and team realized that they could only convince the Congress to
accept a common agenda if they withdrew the League’s demand of Separate electorate.
They discussed and tried to chalk out the conditions following which the system of Joint
Electorates could be accepted. After a prolonged discussion it was unanimously resolved
that League should accept a settlement with the Congress on the basis of certain proposals;
the concluded agreement came to be known as Delhi Proposals. Jinnah and company
declared that they would withdraw the demand of Separate Electorates provided the
following demands will be accepted by the Congress:

1. Sind should be separated from Bombay and should be constituted into an


independent province.
2. Reforms should be introduced in the North-West Frontier Province and British
Baluchistan on the same footing as in any other province of India.
3. Reservation of seats according to the population for different communities in the
Punjab and Bengal.
4. Muslims should be given 1/3rd representation in the Central Legislature.

The relinquishment of the right to separate electorate was an unprecedented concession by


the Muslims and it was a major achievement of Jinnah to have convinced his colleagues to
concede this. It was the first time that the Muslim League had agreed to joint electorates
and would not do so ever again. The Muslim League was, however, divided because of these
proposals and prominent Muslim League leaders, mainly from the Punjab, under the
leadership of Sir Muhammad Shafi, decided to part away for the Jinnah Group.
Simon Commission (1927)

• Background: Appointed by the British government to review India's political


situation and suggest reforms.

• Composition: Comprised seven British members, with no Indian representatives,


leading to widespread Indian protest.

• Objective: To assess the effectiveness of the Government of India Act of 1919 and
recommend future changes in governance.

• Recommendations:

o Rejected the idea of granting dominion status to India.

o Proposed a federal system in India with more power to the provinces.

o Suggested limited representation for minorities but not separate electorates.

o Recommended retention of British control over critical matters such as


defense and finance.

• Impact: The absence of Indian members led to nationwide protests, leading to calls
for Indian participation in drafting reforms. Eventually, the Nehru Report and
Jinnah's 14 Points were formulated as responses.
Nehru Report (1928)

• Background: Drafted by a committee led by Motilal Nehru in response to the Simon


Commission’s recommendations.

• Objective: To propose an Indian framework for self-government within the British


Empire.

• Key Proposals:

o Recommended India be given dominion status, similar to other self-


governing Commonwealth nations.

o Proposed a federal structure with a strong central government.

o Advocated for joint electorates rather than separate ones for religious groups,
with reservations for minorities in legislatures.

o Called for fundamental rights, including free speech and equality before the
law.

• Reaction: The Muslim League and other minority groups rejected the report, as it
did not sufficiently address their concerns about political representation and
protection of minority rights. This led to further division between Congress and the
Muslim League.
Jinnah's 14 Points (1929):

• Purpose: Presented by Muhammad Ali Jinnah as the Muslim League's response to


the Nehru Report and the Simon Commission.

• Key Points:

o Demanded a federal constitution with residual powers to the provinces.

o Provincial autonomy with no constitutional amendment without the consent


of all provinces.

o Adequate Muslim representation in all legislatures and elected bodies.

o Separate electorates for Muslims.

o One-third Muslim representation in the central legislature and cabinets.

o Protection of Muslim interests in services and self-governing bodies.

Impact:

• The Simon Commission's report further intensified the nationalist movement and
led to increased demands for self-rule.

• The Nehru Report was rejected by the Muslim League, which saw it as undermining
Muslim interests.

• Jinnah's 14 Points became the basis of the Muslim League's demands for separate
representation and eventually led to the demand for Pakistan.

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