The Cabinet Mission was sent by the British government to India in March 1946 to discuss the transfer of power and avoid the imminent communal conflict between the Congress and the Muslim League. It was led by P. J. Attlee (Prime Minister), Lord Pethick-Lawrence (Secretary of State for India), and Sir Stafford Cripps.
Objectives
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To secure Indian cooperation for post-war governance.
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To find a solution to the Hindu–Muslim divide and prevent partition.
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To establish an interim government until a permanent constitution could be framed.
Proposals of the Cabinet Mission
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Groupings of Provinces
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India would be divided into three groups based on religion:
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Group A: Hindu-majority provinces
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Group B: Muslim-majority provinces in the northwest
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Group C: Muslim-majority provinces in the east
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Provinces would have autonomy, but central government powers included defense, foreign affairs, and communications.
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Interim Government
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A representative interim government would be formed before independence.
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Congress and Muslim League to participate based on election results.
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Constituent Assembly
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A constituent assembly would be set up to draft India’s constitution.
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Provincial assemblies would elect members for the assembly.
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Reactions
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Congress: Initially agreed to the plan, but later rejected it due to the grouping provision, fearing it would weaken central authority.
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Muslim League: Accepted the plan initially as it provided autonomy for Muslim-majority provinces, but later used it to push for Pakistan.
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British: Hoped it would prevent partition and ensure a smooth transfer of power.
Impact
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Temporarily postponed direct confrontation between Congress and the Muslim League.
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Laid the groundwork for the interim government of 1946.
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Highlighted the deep communal divide, as both sides interpreted the plan to suit their interests.
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Failure to achieve consensus eventually led to direct negotiations for partition in 1947.
Key Takeaway
The Cabinet Mission Plan (1946) was Britain’s last attempt to maintain a united India. Though it temporarily brought hope, disagreements over the plan’s implementation made partition inevitable, setting the stage for independence in 1947.