The year was 1946. The Second World War has just concluded, soon after Japan signed the treaty. Followed by the end of the World War, the British Government too realised that their stay in India had come to an end. So, they finally decided to return to their homeland. This chain of events ultimately led to the establishment of the Interim Government of India in 1947. But, what is Interim Government of India? Why was it formed in the first place? What was the first Interim Government of India announced on? Who were the members of the cabinet of Interim Government of India? What was the Nehru role in freedom struggle as a member of the pre-independent Indian government?
The Interim Government Of India On 1947 – A Bridge Between The Indian National Congress And The Muslim League
The Interim Government of India in 1947 is the only Indian government in which both, the Muslim League and the Indian National Congress worked in conjunction. This article will take you on a journey to the pre-independent India and will give you a short glimpse of the Interim Government of India in 1947 and its role in the freedom struggle. So, without any further ado, let’s begin!
What Is Interim Government Of India?
Before we directly jump into the discussion about the Interim Government of India in 1947, let us first throw light on what is Interim Government of India and what are its roles? To put it simply, an interim government, also sometimes known as an emergency government or a transitional government, is an emergency governmental system set up to aid in the transition of power from any previous governing administration to the newly elected government.
But, why did India need an interim government? Whom did it cater to? What date was the first Interim Government of India announced on? Read the article till the end to know more.
When Was The First Interim Government Of India Announced On?
What date was the first interim government of India announced on? 2nd September, 1946, the Interim Government of India was formed. The Constituent Assembly of India formed this temporary government in 1946-47 with an aim to aid in the transition of powers from the British administration to the hands of the Indian people.
Also Read- Jawaharlal Nehru Speech On 15 August 1947 And Jawaharlal Nehru Speech
How Is Interim Government Formed? Blueprint On Which The Post-Independence Indian Government Was Established
The Second World War saw the plight of Indian people in the hands of their colonial masters. Soon after Britain involved itself in the war, it dragged its colonial members too into the battle. The Indian people were made to forcefully join the war, which they were completely against. This led to huge protests by the Indian freedom fighters, who demanded immediate action. The Indian freedom activists urged the British government to soon leave India and hand over India’s governmental powers in the hands of Indian people. Thus, scared by the rising struggle, the Britishers decided to leave for their homeland. This event ultimately led to the formation of the Interim Government of India in 1947.
Lord Wavell invited both Jawaharlal Nehru and Jinnah to join the interim government and form a coalition. The invitation mentioned that six members from the INC and five from the Muslim League would be elected as the cabinet members. Other places would be filled up by the minority parties. But, both the leaders from INC and the Muslim League rejected the proposal sent by Wavell.
Another attempt was then initiated by the British government to form the cabinet of Interim Government of India. In the second attempt, the British government handed the powers to the INC to establish the Interim Government of India in 1947, while the Muslim League was not taken into account. This time, Nehru agreed to the proposals and on 2nd September, 1946, the Interim Government of India was formed.
The New Executive Council was set up to take charge of the pre-independent government. But, another problem erupted with the passage of time. The British realised that the New Executive Council cannot work to its full potential unless Jinnah joined the system.
On the other hand, Jinnah too wanted to join the emergency government, not to support the INC, but to work towards the betterment of his community. Thus, on 25th October, 1946, the Muslim League too entered the transition Government. But, this decision of the British government was opposed by the INC. Both Gandhiji and Nehru were hurt by the entry of the Muslim League into the coalition government. But, they had no other option but to continue with the Muslim League as a coalition government.
Also Read- Role Of Mahatma Gandhi In Creation of Pakistan: Birth of Pakistan
The Cabinet Of Interim Government Of India
- Viceroy and Governor-General of India: Viscount Wavell (Britain)
- Commander-in-Chief: Sir Claude Auchinleck (Britain)
- External Affairs and Commonwealth Relations: Jawaharlal Nehru
- Home Affairs, Information and Broadcasting: Vallabhbhai Patel
- Food and Agriculture: Rajendra Prasad
- Education and Arts: C. Rajgopalacharia
- Transport and Railways: Asaf Ali
- Labour: Jagjivan Ram
- Finance: Liaquat Ali Khan
- Commerce: Ibrahim Ismail Chundrigar
- Communications: Abdur Rab Nishtar
- Health: Ghazanfar Ali Khan
- Industries and Supplies: John Matthai
- Works, Mines and Power: H. Bhabha
- Defence Law: Baldev Singh
- Law: Jogendra Nath Mandal
What Was The Role Of Interim Government In The Indian Independence
As mentioned earlier in this article, the Interim Government of India in 1947 was formed to aid in the transition of powers from the British administration to the hands of the Indian people. The emergency government also aided in the separation of the Indian subcontinent into India and Pakistan.
Besides, the interim government also acted as a blueprint following which the Constitution of India post-independence was drafted. What was the Nehru role in freedom struggle as a member of the Interim government?
Also Read- Pakistan Independence Day – Why Pakistan Celebrate Independence On 14 August
The Nehru Role In Freedom Struggle
Jawaharlal Nehru was appointed as the Vice President of the coalition government. The role of Vice President in the pre-independence era was similar to the role of the Prime Minister seen today. Soon after India got independence, Jawaharlal Nehru took charge of India as the Prime Minister.
Conclusion
The Interim Government of India in 1947 is the only Indian Government in which both the Muslim League and the Indian National Congress came together to support India’s independence struggle. This temporary government stayed in power until India’s independence, post which it was succeeded by the Dominion of India and Pakistan. In Pakistan, Jinnah formed an independent government. On the other hand, India saw the rise of INC post independence.