Question

What led to the observance of Direct Action Day by the Muslim League on 16 August, 1945?

Answer 1

1. In July 1946, Constituent Assembly elections were problematic. An overwhelming majority of Congress won.
2. Jinnah was alarmed and called the outcome a “brute majority” of Congress votes. He believed that only Congress or Hindus, who were trusted by most, could alter power. Also, declined to join the Interim Government when Viceroy Wavell approached Jawaharlal Nehru. 
3. Muslim League members then voted against the Cabinet Mission Plan. Muslims should adopt “Direct Action” to safeguard their rights, the Muslim League said. 
4. The Muslim League’s direct action was against Hindu takeover, not the British government. The Muslim League declared August 16, 1946, “Direct Action Day” to achieve Pakistan.
5. All India Muslim League General Secretary Liaquat Ali Khan was at the time. Direct Action implies utilising illegal measures, he said. “It can then take any form that fits our circumstances.”
6. In a UP interview, League president Nazimuddin defined “Direct Action Day”. He explained, “The Muslim population of Bengal knows very well what ‘Direct Action’ would mean and so we need not bother to give them any lead.” 
7. Jinnah discussed the true spirit of “Direct Action” after the League Council passed the motion. Jinnah said, “But now we must sit here and are forced. Constitutional law ends now.”