Nehru Report 1928: A Pivotal Moment in Indian History

Nehru Report 1928: A Pivotal Moment in Indian History

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.