Direct Action Day (1946)

Fearing Hindu domination in the central government, Jinnah rejected the British Cabinet Mission plan for transfer of power to an interim government which would combine both the Muslim League and the Indian National Congress, and decided to boycott the Constituent Assembly. 

In July 1946, Jinnah held a press conference at his home in Bombay. He proclaimed that the Muslim League was "preparing to launch a struggle".

He said that if the Muslims were not granted a separate Pakistan then they would launch "direct action". 

The next day, Jinnah announced 16 August 1946 would be "Direct Action Day" and warned Congress, "We do not want war. If you want war we accept your offer unhesitatingly. We will either have a divided India or a destroyed India."

Jinnah asked the people to show their strength to the British by observing “Direct Action Day” on 16th of August 1946.

 In this the Muslim League showed their power to the govt. & also announced their withdrawal from both the plans.

 In many places thousands demonstrated peacefully to show muslim solidarity. 

However, in Calcutta demonstrations turned into violence.  There was a lot of violence due to this in Calcutta & in “Great Calcutta Killing” 4000 people died.