While the World War was at its peak, Sir
Stafford Cripps arrived in Delhi for
talks with the Indian leaders on the
future constitution of India. He
discussed the draft proposals for
framing the future constitution of
India. The proposal said that
immediately upon cessation of
hostilities, steps shall be taken to set
up in India in manner described
hereafter an elected body charged with
the task of framing a new constitution
for India;
Provision shall be made, as set out
below, for participation of Indian
States (the native states) in the
constitution making body; His majesty’s
Government undertakes to accept and
implement forthwith the constitution so
framed subject only to:-
- "The right of any province of British India that is not prepared to accept the new constitution to retain its present constitutional position, provisions being made for this subsequent accession if it so decides;
- With such non-acceding provinces, should they so desire, His Majesty’s Government will be prepared to agree upon a new constitution giving them the same full status as the Indian Union and arrived at by a procedure analogous to that here laid down".
The Proposals of the Cripps Mission were rejected by the Congress on the advice of Gandhi, who regarded it as a post dated cheque on a failing bank.” The All India Muslim League stood for separate independent states and demanded the formation of two constituent assemblies instead of one.
Quit India Movement (1942)
The Congress in order to thwart the demand for Pakistan launched ‘Quit India Movement’ in 1942 against the British Government. The Quaid-i-Azam considered Quit India Movement as anti-Muslim action of the Congress and declared it as political ‘black mailing’. The Muslim League, in reply to ‘Quit India’ slogan by the Congress, demanded “Divide India and Quit.”
The Quaid-i-Azam said; “The Quit India Movement, in fact, is a conspiracy to establish Hindu Raj and to finish Muslim demands.” The Muslims remained disconnected with the Congress movement in response to the Quaid’s call.
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