Opposition to the Gov. of INDIA ACT 1935 Flashcards
1
Q
Why did Indian political parties reject the Government of India Act 1935?
A
- The Government of India Act 1935 was opposed by major Indian political parties because it did not grant the powers they expected.
- Despite lengthy negotiations (1927-32), Congress and the Muslim League were dissatisfied.
- The key reason for rejection was that Indians demanded dominion status, which was not granted, and real powers remained with the British.
2
Q
What issue did the princely states have with the Government of India Act 1935?
A
- The princely states rejected the Act because the part concerning them was never implemented.
- They refused to join the federation as their rights were not protected, further contributing to the Act’s rejection by Indians
3
Q
How did the powers of governors and the viceroy in the Government of India Act 1935 undermine Indian autonomy?
A
- At the provincial level, though diarchy was dropped, governors retained the power to interfere with provincial governments during emergencies, dismiss ministers, and control administration.
- At the federal level, the viceroy could override Indian legislation and control defense and foreign affairs, limiting Indian powers further.
4
Q
How did the voting system under the Government of India Act 1935 affect the majority of Indians?
A
- Although the number of voters increased fivefold, 3/4th of Indians were still deprived of voting rights due to strict property qualifications.
- This disenfranchised the majority of Indians, preventing them from electing representatives of their choice.
5
Q
What were the reactions of the Muslim League and Congress to the Government of India Act 1935?
A
- Both the Muslim League and Congress opposed and sharply criticized the Act.
- Jinnah called it “thoroughly rotten, fundamentally bad, and totally unacceptable.”
- Nehru initially called it the “Charter of Slavery” and later sarcastically described it as “like a machine with strong brakes but no engine.”
