Question

Describe briefly the events that led to Mr. Clement Attlee’s announcement of 20th February, 1947. With reference to this brief about the formation of Interim Government by the Congress on 2nd September, 1946.

Answer 1

In Calcutta, on 16th August, 1946, the Muslim League held demonstrations, hartals and also hoisted Muslim League’s flag. But their activities soon took a violent shape. There were riots, looting and killing in and around Calcutta. The Muslim League ministry could not control the situation. There was extreme loss of life and property. Meanwhile, the Congress formed the Interim Government on 2nd September, 1946. The Muslim League observed it as a day of mourning. Most of the Muslims all over the country were asked to display black flags. The result was that violence broke out in Bombay, Bengal, Bihar and also in Punjab. Gandhiji said, ‘we are not in midst of Civil War but we are nearing it.’