PAK-STUDIES NOTES-GRADE 9th

Chapter # 3 – Emergence of Pakistan

3.2.3 Analyze the Reasons Behind the Difference between the Results of Elections of 1936-37 and 1945-46

Background

The British conducted provincial elections in 1937 to establish representative governance at the provincial level. In these elections, the All-India Muslim League (AIML) secured only 108 out of 482 Muslim seats, while the Indian National Congress gained a majority of both Muslim and non-Muslim seats.

In contrast, the league’s performance in the 1946 elections was remarkable. It achieved 90% of the Muslim seats at the center and 100% of the Muslim seats in the provinces.

What were the reasons for the difference in the performance of the Muslim League in the 1937 and 1946 elections?

The following factors contributed to the variance in the League’s performance in the provincial elections of 1937 and the general elections of 1945-46:

Organization of the Muslim League:

 In 1937, the league was not well-established and lacked organizational structure, offices, and extensive membership at the grassroots level, which hindered its campaign effectiveness. In contrast, the Indian National Congress was more established and organized, with a widespread presence and support, enabling it to run a successful campaign and win votes from both Muslims and Hindus.

By 1946, the league had evolved into a popular and organized political platform, effectively spreading its message of a separate homeland for Indian Muslims across the subcontinent and running a successful election campaign to garner support and votes.

Demand for pakistan
During the 1945-46 elections, the AIML centered its campaign on the clear stand that Pakistan was the foremost aspiration of the Indian Muslim community, with the Muslim League serving as their only representative body. This message struck a chord with a significant segment of the Muslim populace, resulting in a rise of support for the AIML.

Impact of World War II

 The outbreak of World War II in 1939 had a significant impact on Indian politics. Congress initially supported the British war effort but later resigned from provincial governments in protest against the British government’s unilateral decision to involve India in the war without consulting Indian leaders. This move led to a shift in public opinion and contributed to the weakening of Congress’s position.

Muslim League’s Political Mobilization

The All-India Muslim League (Muslim League) had been working to mobilize Muslims politically, especially after the failure to achieve significant success in the 1937 elections. The Lahore Resolution of 1940, which called for the creation of a separate Muslim-majority state, resonated with many Muslims, and contributed to the Muslim League’s growing popularity.

Prior Experience with Congress Rule1937-39

In 1937, Muslims supported Congress in elections without a negative prior experience of Congress rule. However, by 1946, Muslims had experienced the anti-Muslim policies of Congress during its rule from 1937-39, leading to a sense of insecurity among Indian Muslims. They feared that Congress would impose Hindu dominance after British departure, jeopardizing their identity, culture, rights, and interests. The league’s demand for a separate homeland provided Muslims with a direction and vision to pursue, offering a solution to potential Hindu domination in the future.

Changes in Voter Preferences

 The changing preferences of voters, especially in Muslim-majority areas, played a crucial role in the differences between the two elections. The Muslim League’s emphasis on Muslim identity and its demand for Pakistan appealed to many Muslim voters who felt marginalized or threatened under Congress rule.

Image of the League

 In 1937, common Muslims viewed the league as a party representing elite Muslims, primarily concerned with reinforcing the position of Muslim businessmen, landlords, and religious clerics. In contrast, they perceived Congress as a party of the common people, expecting it to listen to their grievances and work for their welfare.

By 1946, Muslims saw the All-India Muslim League as their own party, no longer considering it as representing only elite Muslims. The practical injustices and anti-Muslim approach of Congress and Hindus had made Muslims insecure about their future. They no longer trusted Congress and its leaders’ claims to represent all Indians, realizing that Congress primarily represented Hindus and aimed to impose Hindu dominance in India.

Leadership of Jinnah

Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s leadership played a pivotal role. Despite facing serious illness, Jinnah led an exceptionally vigorous election campaign, which significantly boosted support for AIML.