The C. Rajagopalachari Formula, popularly called the C.R. Formula, was an attempt to resolve the political deadlock between the Congress and the Muslim League during the Second World War.
Background
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By 1944, the demand for Pakistan had gained momentum under the Muslim League.
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The Quit India Movement (1942) had been suppressed, and Congress leaders were released in 1944.
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Mahatma Gandhi sought to negotiate with Muhammad Ali Jinnah to secure Muslim support for Indian independence.
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To create a common ground, C. Rajagopalachari, a senior Congress leader, drafted a compromise formula.
Main Provisions of the C.R. Formula
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After the war, a Commission would demarcate Muslim-majority areas in the North-West and East of India.
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In these areas, a plebiscite (referendum) would be held to decide whether they wanted to remain in India or form a separate state (Pakistan).
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If partition took place, there would be agreements on:
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Joint defence, communications, and commerce between India and Pakistan.
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Safeguards for minorities on both sides.
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The Congress would support the League’s demand for Pakistan if the League agreed to support complete independence from the British.
Reactions
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Congress: Gandhi discussed the proposal with Jinnah, but other Congress leaders were reluctant to accept the idea of partition.
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Muslim League: Jinnah rejected it, as he wanted immediate and unconditional acceptance of Pakistan, not a future plebiscite.
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Hindu Mahasabha and Sikh leaders opposed it, fearing partition would endanger their interests.
Significance
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First serious attempt by a Congress leader to acknowledge the possibility of Pakistan.
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Showed Gandhi’s willingness to negotiate with Jinnah, though the talks failed.
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Its rejection deepened the political divide, making partition more inevitable.
Key Takeaway
The C.R. Formula (1944) was a bold attempt to bridge the gap between Congress and the Muslim League. Though unsuccessful, it revealed the growing acceptance of the idea of partition as a possible outcome of India’s freedom struggle.