The Gandhi–Jinnah Talks of 1944 were held to resolve the deadlock between the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League on the issue of independence and Pakistan. Despite high hopes, the talks failed and widened the gulf between the two parties.
Background
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The failure of the Cripps Mission (1942) and suppression of the Quit India Movement (1942) had left Indian politics at a stalemate.
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By 1944, the demand for Pakistan had gained mass support among Muslims under Jinnah’s leadership.
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To break the deadlock, Gandhi, just released from prison, initiated talks with Jinnah based on the C.R. Formula (1944).
The Talks
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Took place at Jinnah’s residence in Bombay (September 1944).
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Gandhi represented the Congress, Jinnah represented the Muslim League.
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Gandhi’s Position:
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India must remain one nation; partition could be discussed only after independence.
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Suggested a plebiscite in Muslim-majority areas post-independence to decide their future.
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Jinnah’s Position:
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Muslims were a separate nation and had the right to Pakistan before independence.
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Did not trust Congress to safeguard Muslim interests after independence.
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Rejected the idea of Pakistan being conditional or delayed.
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Reasons for Failure
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Fundamental difference: Gandhi sought unity first, Jinnah sought partition first.
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Jinnah insisted on Congress recognizing the Muslim League as the sole representative of Muslims, which Gandhi refused.
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Jinnah wanted an immediate acceptance of Pakistan, not after independence or plebiscite.
Impact
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The failure hardened the League’s stand for Pakistan.
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Jinnah emerged as the undisputed leader of Muslims, gaining mass support.
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Showed the inability of Congress and the League to reach a compromise, pushing India closer to partition.
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Internationally, it highlighted the communal divide to the British and Allies during World War II.
Key Takeaway
The Gandhi–Jinnah Talks (1944) were the last serious attempt at reconciliation between Congress and the Muslim League. Their failure made the demand for Pakistan irreversible, setting the stage for the eventual partition of India in 1947.