Gandhi Jinnah Talks (1944)

Quick Facts

Background

• Gandhi was arrested in 1942 due to his Quit India Movement

• By 1944, as the Allies saw more victories in the war, the attitude of British administration towards Congress softened.

• During the Second World War, the British government, under the viceroyalty of Lord Linlithgow had said that any move towards an Indian statehood would be possible only if the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Muslim League resolve their differences.

• The League was increasingly demanding a separate nation of Pakistan for the Muslims whereas the INC was against the partitioning of the country.

• To break this deadlock between the two major political parties in India, Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, INC member who was close to Mahatma Gandhi, proposed a set of plans called the CR Formula or Rajaji Formula.

• This was the first acknowledgement by a Congressman about the inevitability of the partition of the country and a tacit acceptance of Pakistan.

Gadhi Ji Releaed

• Gandhi Ji was released from prison on medical grounds by the new viceroy, Lord Wavell in May1944.

• Though other Congress leaders were still in prison.

Gandhi Ji's Meetings with Mr. Jinnah

• After his release Mr. Gandhi proposed talks with Mr. Jinnah on his two-nation theory and negotiating on issue of partition.

• The CR formula acted as the basis for the negotiations.

• Throughout 1944 Gandhi & Jinnah met at Jinnah’s house in Bombay.

Gandhi Jinnah Points of View 

• Gandhi wanted the League to support Congress in its struggle to remove the British, while Jinnah knew that he had to secure partition before British left.

• Gandhi wanted the central government to have control over key issues such as Defense and foreign policy, communication and customs, while Mr. Jinnah wanted complete provincial autonomy including these key matters.

• Gandhi considered himself to be speaking for all India while Jinnah reminded him that really he was just the spokesman of Congress.

• Gandhi gave the impression that he didn’t support the Two Nation Theory, where Mr. Jinnah emphasized on the theory which had now become the official policy of Muslim League.

The Result

• The talks were a complete failure

• Neither side accepted each other's demand

• However Mr. Jinnah declared talks a success for Muslims because:

  • Mr. Gandhi and Congress had finaly realized the political strength of Muslims

  • It became clear that without the help and support of Muslims, it was not possible for the Congress to get rid of British

  • Mr. Gandhi also accepted Muslim League as the sole representative of Indian Muslims

  • Congress' claim as being the sole representative of Indian nation including Hindus and Muslims was also negated.