Introduction
The third decade of the twentieth century (30-1920) is one
of the most important in the political history of United India and is
considered to be one of the hottest political periods in this decade. And by
proving prejudice, it increased Hindu-Muslim animosity and separatism and also
did great damage to Hindu-Muslim mutual unity.
A great proof of this is the Nehru Report presented by the
Hindus in 1928. The Nehru Report caused animosity, mutual hatred and enmity
among Hindus. It added to the bitterness and unhappiness in India's
political climate. This situation forced the Muslims to part ways with the
fanatical and extremist Hindus.
In this academic exploration, we will delve into the
historical backdrop, the events leading up to the Nehru Report, and the
aftermath, which included Quaid-e-Azam's disappointment and the last concerted
effort towards Hindu-Muslim unity
Background
The early 20th century witnessed India's
burgeoning political awakening and demands for self-rule. Responding to these
aspirations, the British government convened the Simon Commission in 1927,
aimed at reviewing and making recommendations for India's
constitutional future. However, the glaring omission of Indian members from the
Commission's composition instigated widespread outrage and protests among
Indian leaders. The Indian populace was vocal in its demand that the Commission
incorporate Indian representatives who could genuinely reflect the country's interests.
Simon Commission 1927
In 1927, the British government announced the appointment of
a seven-member commission headed by Sir John Simon to address India's
constitutional issues, known in history as the Simon Commission. The Simon
Commission 1927 actually reflects the British government's hatred of Indians
and its covert conspiracy. This can be gauged from the fact that not a single
Indian representative was included in the commission.
That is why almost all the major political parties in India
decided to boycott the Simon Commission 1927. This decision led to widespread
demonstrations, boycotts, and an outpouring of resentment, highlighting the
growing demand for Indian self-representation and a legitimate say in their own
destiny. Quaid-e-Azam felt such disregard for Indians, so he vehemently opposed
the Simon Commission.
All Parties Conference 1928
In response to the Simon Commission, Indian leaders convened
the All Parties Conference in 1928. The conference aimed to articulate a
collective response to the Simon Commission's recommendations, thereby
establishing a united front that could present a consolidated demand for India's
constitutional future.
On May 5, all the notable political parties in India
attended the meeting. Since the meeting was attended by Bhanta Bhanta leaders
and political parties with conflicting views, it was decided that the task of
drafting the constitution should be entrusted to a short committee, so Pundit Motilaal
Nehru a five-member committee was set up under the chairmanship of the Nehru
Committee. The report (constitution) prepared by this committee is called Nehru
Report.
Evidence of Muslim Hostility and Prejudice
The All Parties Conference, while a critical juncture in India's
political landscape, also revealed deep-seated tensions between Hindu and
Muslim leaders. Central to this schism were concerns about representation and
protection of rights, especially given the imminent potential for a
predominantly Hindu-majority government. Muslim leaders, to safeguard their
political and religious interests, demanded separate electorates and reserved
seats, a move seen as essential for ensuring equitable representation of the
Muslim community in any future Indian government.
The Last Attempt at Hindu-Muslim Unity
A meeting of the All India Muslim League was held in Calcutta
where it was decided to send a committee headed by Quaid-e-Azam to attend the
All Parties Convention, which would draft amendments to the Nehru Report and
present it at the convention.
Therefore, Quaid-e-Azam participated in the All Parties
Convention and in a last ditch effort to maintain Hindu-Muslim unity, made a
new draft of the Nehru Report with some amendments to the proposed terms of the
Muslims and presented it in the convention. Quaid-e-Azam urged the convention
to include the proposed amendments of Muslims in the Nehru Report to pave the
way for Hindu-Muslim unity. But all the amendments of Quaid-e-Azam were
rejected۔.
Quaid-e-Azam's Disappointment
Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who would later play an
instrumental role in the formation of Pakistan,
was a prominent presence at the All Parties Conference Although Mr. Jinnah, as
the Ambassador of the Hindu-Muslim Alliance, sought to persuade the Hindus for
expediency through irrefutable arguments, the prejudiced mentality of the
Hindus was thwarted every time. Eventually, Mr. Jinnah was forced to say:
"Now we have different paths for you."
After the Hindus' insistence on the passage of the Nehru
Report and its clear opposition from the Muslims, a chapter of Indian politics
came to an end - there was no room for a mixed Indian nation and a mixed
electoral system. The possibilities are almost gone.
Conclusion
The Nehru Report of 1928, framed as a response to the Simon
Commission, assumes a pivotal position in the annals of India's
struggle for independence. While it served as the final attempt at forging
Hindu-Muslim unity before the eventual partition of India,
it also underscored the deep-seated religious and political fissures within the
nation. The disillusionment experienced by Quaid-e-Azam and the divergent
interests of Hindu and Muslim leaders ultimately contributed to the intricate
and tumultuous journey towards India's
independence. The Nehru Report remains an indispensable historical document,
encapsulating the intricate complexities of nation-building during the
concluding years of British colonial rule in India.
