The Congress ministries, formed after the elections of 1937, resigned in October 1939 as a mark of protest against British policies during the Second World War. This created a major political turning point in India’s freedom struggle.
Background
-
On 3rd September 1939, Britain declared war on Germany, marking the start of the Second World War.
-
Without consulting Indian leaders, the Viceroy unilaterally declared India a participant in the war.
-
The Congress Working Committee opposed this decision and demanded that India could support Britain only if it was promised freedom after the war.
-
The British government refused to make any such commitment.
Resignation of Ministries
-
In protest, Congress ministries in seven provinces (Madras, Bombay, Bihar, Orissa, Central Provinces, United Provinces, and North-West Frontier Province) resigned in October–November 1939.
-
This marked the end of Congress’s cooperation with the colonial government.
Immediate Impact
-
The resignation created a political vacuum in the provinces.
-
The Muslim League celebrated 22nd December 1939 as “Deliverance Day”, portraying Congress rule as oppressive for Muslims.
-
This strengthened the League’s position and widened the Hindu-Muslim divide.
Significance for the Freedom Struggle
-
The resignations highlighted Congress’s stand that India would not support Britain without a clear assurance of independence.
-
It provided the Muslim League with an opportunity to expand its influence among Muslims, preparing the ground for the Pakistan Resolution (1940).
-
The event shifted Indian politics towards a new phase of confrontation between Congress, the League, and the British.
-
It also compelled the British to attempt new constitutional measures, leading to the August Offer (1940).
Key Takeaway
The resignation of Congress ministries in 1939 was a decisive protest against India’s forced involvement in World War II. While it strengthened the Congress’s nationalist credentials, it also gave the Muslim League an opportunity to mobilize support, sharpening communal divisions and influencing the course of India’s independence struggle.