The British had no intention of annoying unionists who still controlled the Punjab government because they relied on their support to maintain control and stability in the region. The Punjab, located in present-day Pakistan and India, was an important province in British India, and its government played a crucial role in maintaining British rule.

The importance of Punjab government:
The Punjab government was composed largely of unionists, who were primarily Muslim landowners and members of the Punjab Unionist Party (PUP). The PUP had a pro-British stance and supported the continuation of British rule in India. The British recognized the influence and power of the unionists in Punjab and believed that their cooperation was essential for maintaining order and stability in the region.

Religious tensions between Hindus and Muslims:
During the British colonial rule in India, there were increasing tensions between Hindus and Muslims, which eventually led to the partition of India and the creation of Pakistan in 1947. The Punjab was the epicenter of these communal tensions, with significant populations of both Hindus and Muslims residing in the province. The British recognized that any actions that favored one religious group over the other could further escalate tensions and potentially lead to violence.

Avoiding alienation of Muslims:
By not annoying the unionists who still controlled the Punjab government, the British aimed to avoid alienating the Muslim population. The Muslim unionists had the support of a significant portion of the Muslim population in Punjab, and their cooperation was crucial for maintaining stability. Annoying the unionists could have potentially resulted in increased support for more radical and anti-British movements, which could have threatened British control.

Maintaining control and stability:
The British were primarily concerned with maintaining control and stability in India, and they saw the Punjab government and its unionist leaders as essential allies in achieving this goal. The unionists provided a sense of stability and continuity in governance, and their cooperation helped the British maintain their authority in the region.

In conclusion, the British had no intention of annoying the unionists who still controlled the Punjab government because they recognized their importance in maintaining control and stability in the region. By avoiding actions that could alienate the unionists, the British aimed to preserve their cooperation and support, which was crucial for their continued rule in Punjab and India as a whole.