The Desai–Liaqat Pact was a political understanding attempted between Congress and the Muslim League in early 1945, just before the Simla Conference. It was an effort to find a common ground for cooperation, but it remained unofficial and unsuccessful.
Background
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After the failure of the Gandhi–Jinnah Talks (1944), political deadlock continued.
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The British were preparing for post-war constitutional changes, and Indian leaders wanted to strengthen their bargaining positions.
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Bhulabhai Desai, leader of the Congress in the Central Legislative Assembly, and Liaqat Ali Khan, deputy leader of the Muslim League, initiated secret negotiations.
Provisions of the Desai–Liaqat Pact
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Formation of an Interim Government at the Centre before final constitutional settlement.
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Equal representation of Congress and Muslim League in the Central Executive Council.
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Decisions of the Council to be taken unanimously, ensuring neither side dominated.
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Defense to remain under British control, but Indians to run other departments.
Reactions
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Congress: The Congress leadership, especially Gandhi and Nehru, did not officially endorse the pact. They felt Desai had exceeded his authority by negotiating without party approval.
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Muslim League: Jinnah rejected it, as it did not explicitly recognize the League’s demand for Pakistan or its claim to represent all Muslims.
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British: The colonial government did not take it seriously, as it lacked official sanction from both parties.
Significance
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Marked an attempt at Congress–League cooperation, but failed due to mutual mistrust.
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Reflected the political urgency of 1945, with both parties preparing for negotiations with the British.
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Its failure paved the way for the Wavell Plan and Simla Conference (1945), where the same issues resurfaced.
Key Takeaway
The Desai–Liaqat Pact (1945) was a missed opportunity for unity between Congress and the Muslim League. Its rejection highlighted the deepening divide between the two, making partition seem more inevitable.