Which of the following is correct regarding the Wavell Plan of 1945?a...
The correct answer is Option 1.
Important Points
Wavell Plan of 1945 - On 14 June, Wavell ordered the release of all Congress Working Committee members and proposed talks to set up a new Executive Council which would be entirely Indian except for the Viceroy himself and the Commander-in-Chief.
- 'Caste Hindus' and Muslims would have equal representation, the Executive would work within the existing constitution (i.e., it would not be responsible to the Central Assembly), but the door would be kept open for discussions on a new Constitution once the War had been finally won.
- But the Conference really broke down due to Jinnah's intransigent demands that the League had an absolute right to choose all the Muslim members and that there should be a kind of communal veto in the Executive, with decisions opposed by Muslims needing a two-thirds majority. Hence option 1 is correct.
- The Congress objected to the plan as - an attempt to reduce it to a Caste Hindu‘ Party and insisted on its right to include members from all communities.
- The Congress’ Shimla delegation was headed by Maulana Azad and Wavell dissolved the conference and thus gave the League a virtual veto which strengthened the League’s position.
View all questions of this test
Which of the following is correct regarding the Wavell Plan of 1945?a...
The correct answer is option 'A' - Muslims were to have one-third representation in the Executive Council.
Explanation:
The Wavell Plan of 1945, also known as the Wavell-Brooke-Bhulabhai Desai Plan, was a proposal put forward by Lord Wavell, the Viceroy of India, to resolve the political deadlock between the Indian National Congress and the All India Muslim League. This plan aimed to create a united Indian government and establish a framework for India's independence.
One-third representation for Muslims in the Executive Council:
- One of the key features of the Wavell Plan was the provision for one-third representation for Muslims in the Executive Council. This meant that Muslims would have a significant share of power in the proposed united Indian government.
- The plan aimed to address the concerns of the Muslim League, which demanded proportional representation for Muslims in any future government. The provision for one-third representation was seen as an attempt to ensure Muslim participation and cooperation in the political process.
Other key proposals of the Wavell Plan:
- The Wavell Plan proposed the formation of an Executive Council consisting of three Muslim members, three Hindu members, and three representatives of the Princely States. The Governor-General would be responsible for appointing the members of the Council.
- The plan also suggested the formation of a Constituent Assembly, which would draft a new constitution for India after the war. The Assembly would consist of representatives from the various political parties and groups in India.
- Another significant proposal of the Wavell Plan was the creation of a temporary Indian government at the center, with the Governor-General acting as the head. This government would work towards the transfer of power to the Indian people.
Acceptance and rejection of the Wavell Plan:
- The Wavell Plan was initially accepted by both the Indian National Congress and the All India Muslim League. However, the plan faced opposition from within both parties, leading to its eventual rejection.
- The Muslim League, under the leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, withdrew its support for the plan as it felt that the proposed one-third representation was not sufficient to protect Muslim interests.
- The Congress, on the other hand, raised objections to the composition of the Executive Council and the role of the Governor-General.
- Ultimately, the failure to reach a consensus on the Wavell Plan led to the breakdown of negotiations between the Congress and the Muslim League, further complicating the path towards India's independence.