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The Cabinet Mission Plan was a proposal made by the British government in 1946 to resolve the political future of India. It aimed to create a united India with a federal structure, addressing the demands of both the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League.
Key Proposals of the Cabinet Mission Plan:
- A Union of India: There would be a Union of India, comprising British India and the Princely States, which would handle subjects like defense, foreign affairs, and communications.
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Grouping of Provinces: The provinces of British India would be divided into three groups:
- Group A: Madras, Bombay, United Provinces, Central Provinces, Orissa, and Bihar (Hindu-majority provinces).
- Group B: Punjab, Sindh, North-West Frontier Province, and British Baluchistan (Muslim-majority provinces in the northwest).
- Group C: Bengal and Assam (Muslim-majority provinces in the northeast).
- Constituent Assembly: A Constituent Assembly would be formed to frame a constitution for India. Members would be elected by the provincial legislative assemblies.
- Interim Government: An interim government would be formed immediately, comprising representatives from the major political parties.
- Princely States: The Princely States would be free to join one of the groups or remain independent.
Objectives:
- To achieve a united India while accommodating the concerns of the Muslim League regarding the protection of Muslim rights.
- To establish a framework for a new constitution developed by Indians themselves.
- To transfer power from the British government to an Indian government.
Outcome:
Initially, both the Congress and the Muslim League accepted the Plan. However, disagreements arose over the interpretation of the grouping of provinces and the powers of the central government. Eventually, the Muslim League withdrew its support, leading to increased communal tensions and ultimately the partition of India in 1947.
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