- The Desai-Liaqat Plan, also known as the Desai-Liaquat Pact, was a proposal formulated by Bhulabhai Desai and Liaquat Ali Khan to address the political deadlock between the Indian National Congress and the All India Muslim League during the Indian Independence movement.
- The plan aimed to negotiate an agreement for a future coalition government representing Hindus and Muslims in the independent Government of India.
Key Points of the Desai-Liaquat Pact
- Formation of an interim government at the center with equal members nominated by the Congress and the Muslim League in the central legislature.
- 20% reserved seats in the interim government for minorities.
- Liaquat Ali Khan gave up the demand for a separate Muslim state (Pakistan) in exchange for the guarantee of equal representation of Muslims and Hindus in the Council of Ministers.
- The plan attempted to create an ideal Indian alliance that would accelerate India’s path towards freedom and end the Quit India movement.
Background and Intentions
- During the Quit India movement from 1942 to 1945, Mohandas Gandhi and the Congress Working Committee were arrested, leaving Bhulabhai Desai as one of the few free Congress leaders.
- Desai initiated secretive talks with Liaquat Ali Khan, a prominent leader of the Muslim League, to negotiate a solution for a future government representing both Hindus and Muslims.
- The intention was to end the political deadlock between the Congress and the Muslim League and create a united choice for Hindus and Muslims in the independent Government of India.
Result and Impact
- The Desai-Liaqat Plan proposed a compromise between Congress and the Muslim League, offering parity of representation for Muslims and Hindus in the interim government.
- However, the plan was not formally endorsed by either Congress or the Muslim League, and it did not lead to the formation of the intended coalition government.
- Despite the efforts to find common ground, the political differences and demands of both parties remained unresolved.
- Eventually, India achieved independence in 1947, and the partition of India resulted in the creation of India and Pakistan as separate nations.
- In conclusion, the Desai-Liaqat Plan was an attempt to create a united front and resolve the political impasse between Congress and the Muslim League during the Indian independence movement. However, the plan did not materialize into a formal agreement, and the partition of India became inevitable as the Congress and the Muslim League held firm to their respective demands.
