At the time when the Muslims had experienced Hindus indifference on different occasions such as Hindu antagonism against partition of Bengal, Hindu religious revivalism and hostility to the Muslims, they got convinced to form their own political party which should protect Muslims interests and speak for the Muslim community on all the occasions.
In pursuance of this resolve a public meeting of the Muslim leaders was held on December 30, 1906 at Dacca. Nawab Viqar-ul-Mulk presided. On the motion of Nawab Salimullah, it was decided that a political association called the All India Muslim League be formed for the furtherance of the following objects:-
- "To protect and advance the political rights and interests of the Musalmans of India, and to respectfully represent their needs and aspirations to the Government.
- To promote among the Musalmans of India, feelings of loyalty to the British Government, and to remove any misconception that may arise as to the intention of the Government with regard to any of its measures.
- To prevent the rise, among the Musalmans of India, of any feeling of hostility towards other communities, without prejudice to the other aforementioned objects of the League"
The formation of the Muslim League was well received by the Muslims of the subcontinent, and very soon its branches were set up at various places. The first session of the Muslim League was held at Karachi on December 29-30, 1907. Sir Adamjee Peerbhoy presided. The Constitution of the All-India Muslim League was drafted in this first session. A maximum of 400 members was fixed, and the bulk of those who formed the Simla Deputation were amongst its first members.
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