The introduction of 14 points in 1929

Question 1

Why did Jinnah present the 14 Points in response to the Nehru Report of 1928?

Answer 1

• The Nehru Report was a Congress-dominated document that disregarded Muslim demands, rejecting separate electorates, and offering Muslims only 1/4th representation in the Center.
• It proposed Hindi as the official language, reflecting Hindu narrow-mindedness.
• Jinnah responded by demanding one-third representation for Muslims in the Central legislature, weightage in Punjab and Bengal, full provincial status for Sindh and NWFP, and provincial autonomy.
• Congress rejected these demands, leading Jinnah to present the 14 Points to safeguard Muslim rights.

Question 2

How did British reforms influence Jinnah to present the 14 Points in 1929?

Answer 2

• The British announced reforms every ten years, with previous ones in 1909 and 1919, and new reforms expected in 1929.
• Jinnah saw the need to present Muslim viewpoints to the British ahead of these reforms.
• Declaring the “parting of the ways” with Hindus, Jinnah focused on Muslim interests, presenting the 14 Points as a proposal to secure Muslim rights in the upcoming constitutional changes.

Question 3

What did Jinnah aim to achieve with his 14 Points in January 1929?

Answer 3

• Jinnah aimed to safeguard Muslim political rights and interests through his 14 Points.
• He demanded one-third representation for Muslims in the Central legislature, no changes to provincial boundaries that would reduce Muslim majorities to minorities, and a requirement that any law affecting a community must have the approval of three-fourths of that community’s representatives in the legislative assembly.
• He also sought measures to protect Muslim culture, language, and religion, and demanded religious freedom for all minorities.
• Jinnah firmly declared that no constitutional scheme would be acceptable unless these principles were upheld.
• His 14 Points became the basis for future negotiations with Congress and the British.