The elections held under the provisions of the Government of India Act, 1935 were significant in the context of India’s struggle for independence, as they were the first general elections held under a semi-self-governing framework introduced by the British colonial government. The elections took place in 1937, and the results had a major impact on India’s political landscape. Here’s more detail on the Indian National Congress’ role in these elections and the subsequent resignation of its ministries:
The Government of India Act, 1935 was a significant step toward constitutional reform in British India. It provided for the establishment of provincial legislatures with a degree of self-governance and autonomy in seven provinces: Bengal, Bombay, Madras, United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh), Punjab, Bihar, and Orissa.
The act allowed the formation of elected ministries in these provinces, though the central government still remained under British control, with limited powers for the provinces.
The Indian National Congress (INC), led by Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, emerged as the dominant political force in the 1937 elections to the provincial legislatures, held in the seven provinces.
The INC won a significant share of the seats in the elections and formed governments in seven provinces: United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh), Bengal, Bombay, Madras, Bihar, Orissa, and Punjab.
The Congress also formed a coalition government in Assam, where they shared power with regional political groups.
In October-November 1939, these ministries, led by the Indian National Congress, resigned en masse in protest against the British decision to involve India in the Second World War without consulting the Indian people or their elected representatives.
The resignation was a unanimous decision taken by the Congress-led governments in the wake of the British declaration of war on behalf of India. The British government’s decision to include India in the war effort was seen as a betrayal of Indian self-governance and autonomy.
The British decision to involve India in the Second World War without consulting Indian leaders or considering the wishes of the Indian people was a major point of contention. The INC demanded a say in the decisions related to India’s involvement in the war.
The INC used this opportunity to reassert its demand for full independence for India. The Congress had already been pressing for more autonomy and self-governance, and this situation highlighted the ongoing colonial subjugation of India.
Congress was opposed to India’s involvement in the war, viewing it as an imperial conflict in which India had no stake. The Congress leadership called for “Quit India” and emphasized that India should not be dragged into the war without the people’s consent.
Impact of the Resignation:
The resignation of ministries was a major blow to the British colonial administration, as the INC was the most popular political party at the time and had significant support in most provinces.
The resignation marked a key moment in the growing dissatisfaction with British rule and reflected the increasing polarization between the British government and the Indian leadership.
This event laid the groundwork for the Quit India Movement (1942), which would be launched by Mahatma Gandhi and the Congress in a final push for Indian independence.
Following the resignation of the INC ministries, governments were formed in the provinces by the British or by the provincial opposition parties, which were largely supportive of the British war efforts.
The INC’s resignation in 1939 further intensified the Indian nationalist movement and was a precursor to the more aggressive demands for independence that would follow in the coming years.
The Second World War would have lasting effects on India’s political trajectory, eventually leading to the Indian independence in 1947, albeit under different circumstances.
Thus, the resignation of Congress ministries in 1939 was a pivotal moment in India’s struggle for independence, showcasing the increasing tension between Indian nationalists and the British colonial rulers.
