By 1909, there was widespread Political awakening amongst the Indians. Active political participation of Indians was reflected in the formation and influence of political parties like Indian National Congress and All-India Muslim League. Even the local self-government reforms introduced by Lord Rippon did not meet the political aspirations of the Indian people who wanted greater participation in government, provincial as well as central, at the highest levels.

The British government considered it advisable not to ignore the rapidly changing political atmosphere in India. In 1907, Lord Minto, the Viceroy, disclosed in the Legislative Council that the people of India would be given greater opportunity to express their views on administrative methods. In December 1904, Lord Morley, the Secretary of State, introduced his famous Bill in the British Parliament which was passed in 1909 as the Indian Councils Act. This Act is popularly known as the Minto-Morley Reforms. Under this Act Muslims were given separate representation and Muslim members of the legislature were to be elected by Muslims alone. The demand for separate electorate was thus accepted. However, these reforms did not satisfy the Indians. Although elections to Legislative Councils were introduced, the number of voters was limited due to strict qualifications of property and education imposed on franchise. Further, the system of election was indirect. The result was widespread criticism of the government though some of it was thoughtless and irresponsible.

The inadequacy of the reforms of 1909 and the resultant discontent and disappointment of the people gave rise to revolutionary and terrorist activities. The reversal in 1911 of the 1905 Partition of Bengal annoyed the Muslims. They saw it as a concession to the Hindus who had challenged the government. The undoing of the province of East Bengal meant that Muslims would lose all the benefits that accrued to them by the partition and once again be dominated by the more advanced Hindu community. It was a clear breach of assurances and commitments made by the British regarding the inviolability of the partition. The years following the cancellation of the partition of Bengal marked a turning point in the history of Indian Muslims. It could be argued that the seeds of Pakistan were sown by this one event.