The Congress Ministries 1937-1939

Introduction:

The period between 1937 and 1939, known as the Congress Ministries, was crucial to India's fight for
freedom from British colonial authority. Following the historic 1937 provincial elections, which
fundamentally altered India's political climate, these ministries were established, laying the groundwork
for further events in the struggle for self-governance. British India held elections in 1937 following the
introduction of some provincial autonomy through the Government of India Act of 1935. With the help of
luminaries like Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the Indian
National Congress became the dominant political party and won most of the provinces. These successes
opened the door for Congress ministries to be established in strategic areas of the subcontinent. As the
first instance of Indians holding substantial provincial-level administrative authority under British
colonial rule, the Congress Ministries were a historic development. During this time, the Congress
ministry started implementing bold plans for socioeconomic changes, including as support for indigenous
industries, healthcare, education, and agrarian reforms. With these actions, the long-standing complaints
of the Indian people were to be addressed, and the foundation for a fairer society was to be laid. But the
Congress Ministries also had to deal with a lot of restrictions and difficulties. They were nevertheless
subject to the Government of India Act, which gave the Viceroy and the British-appointed Governors
considerable authority even after their electoral victories. In addition, the ministries faced strong
opposition from a number of sources, such as nationalist groups in India, princely states, and community
divisions. Given the escalating hostilities between Muslims and Hindus, communalism was one of the
Congress Ministries' most urgent problems. The subcontinent's communal bloodshed that would erupt
during partition in 1947 was predicted by the frequent failure of attempts to foster Hindu-Muslim
harmony in the face of entrenched communal divides. In addition, the British colonial government, which
continued to be leery of Indian demands for self-government, opposed the Congress Ministries. By using
emergency powers, withholding financial resources, and inciting dissension among princely states and
minority communities, the colonial authorities attempted to topple the administrations established by
Congress through a variety of strategies. The Congress Ministries of 1937–1939 had a profound impact
on India's political climate in spite of these difficulties. They laid the foundation for later independence
movements by demonstrating the ability of Indian nationalists to lead and manage. Furthermore, they
functioned as a forerunner to the ultimate breakdown of British colonial governance and the
establishment of an autonomous India in 1947.
Background:

In India's fight for independence, the 1930s were a turbulent period marked by shifting political
dynamics, social unrest, and economic difficulties. The Indian National Congress first appeared as the
main political force supporting self-rule in the early 20th century, which is when the Congress Ministries
first got their start. After World War I, disenchantment with British colonial rule and the sacrifices made
by Indian soldiers in the war effort spurred the demand for Swaraj, or self-governance. Indian ambitions
for self-rule were not met by the 1919 Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, which established limited
provincial autonomy. Rather, it gave rise to calls for constitutional changes and increased political
engagement. Important turning points in India's struggle were the Non-Cooperation Movement of 1920–
1922 and the Civil Disobedience Movement of 1930–1934, which demonstrated the peaceful resistance
and mass mobilization spearheaded by Mahatma Gandhi and the Congress. An important step forward in
the constitutional formation of British India was the Government of India Act, 1935. It allowed for the
formation of federal government in the center and provincial governments with restricted authority on the
provinces. The Act sought to meet Indian wishes for further independence while preserving British
Parliament's final say-so. A turning point in Indian politics was reached with the 1937 province elections,
which were held in accordance with the Government of India Act. After gaining majority seats in a
number of provinces, including Madras, Bombay, the United Provinces, Bihar, and the Central Provinces,
the Indian National Congress emerged as the main political force. This electoral victory made it possible
for Congress Ministries to be established in these provinces. In 1937 and 1939, the Congress Ministries
initiated comprehensive reform programs with the goal of tackling socioeconomic disparities and
advancing inclusive governance. Measures including school reforms, cottage industry development, and
agrarian reforms were implemented with the intention of uplifting the masses and establishing the
groundwork for a fairer society. Nonetheless, the Congress Ministries encountered significant obstacles as
well. Their inability to implement extensive reforms was hindered by the Government of India Act, 1935,
which allowed them limited powers. In addition, communal hostilities between Muslims and Hindus
intensified throughout this time, resulting in violent incidents and divisiveness. The onset of World War II
in 1939 further complicated the political scene, as the Congress Ministries resigned in protest against
British India's unilateral declaration of war without consulting Indian leaders. With this, the first
experiment of Indian self-rule under British suzerainty came to an end. In hindsight, the Congress
Ministries of 1937–1939 represent the hopes, difficulties, and complexity of the time and had a major role
in India’s fight for independence. They helped bring about India's eventual independence in 1947 and
established the foundation for ensuing nation-building initiatives.
Establishment of Congress Ministries:

The political, social, and constitutional elements that influenced the 1930s Indian political scene
culminated in the establishment of the Congress Ministries in 1937. The Government of India Act, 1935,
which attempted to impose limited self-governance within the framework of British colonial
administration, gave rise to these ministries after the provincial elections. Being the main pro-
independence political party, the Indian National Congress positioned itself to run in these elections. The
Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience Movements gave the Congress energy to present a united front
against British colonial rule, which resonated with the aspirations of millions of Indians. The 1937
elections brought about a dramatic change in Indian politics. The Congress advocated for total
independence, but because of its practical mindset, it took part in the election process inside the colonial
framework. On a program of social fairness, economic reforms, and political rights for all Indians, the
Congress ran for office. The Congress achieved majority seats in numerous important provinces thanks to
an astonishingly effective electoral strategy. This election victory demonstrated the Congress's
widespread appeal and organizational power among a variety of groups and areas, in addition to its
political significance. The Congress established ministries in a number of provinces where it won
majorities of votes after the election results. Key roles in these ministries were taken by leaders like
Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, who marked the beginning
of a new chapter in India's war for independence.Amajor change from the previous administrative
structure controlled by British officials was the establishment of the Congress Ministries. Indians took up
executive duties and started running their provinces for the first time, if somewhat restricted by the
Government of India Act, 1935. These ministries started aggressive reform programs to deal with the
urgent socioeconomic problems of the day. Key aims of the Congress-led governments included land
reforms, better healthcare, school expansion, and support for indigenous industries. Nonetheless, the
Congress Ministries encountered significant obstacles as well. Their ability to carry out extensive reforms
was hindered by the Government of India Act, 1935, which allowed them limited powers. Furthermore,
communal strife between Muslims and Hindus constituted a persistent danger to peace and stability in the
provinces. In spite of these obstacles, the establishment of the Congress Ministries in 1937 was a critical
turning point in India's progress toward self-governance. It established the framework for upcoming
nation-building initiatives in independent India and showed that the Congress could effectively manage
the country in accordance with the will of the people.

Accomplishments:

The congress had various accomplishments and reforms. Some of them were:

Management Reforms: The Congress Ministries prioritized devolution of power and administrative
effectiveness. By altering local governance institutions, they sought to increase the government's
accountability to the people. There was an attempt to strengthen local authorities and advance democracy
at the grassroots.

Labor Reforms: The Congress Ministries implemented a number of labor reforms with the goal of
enhancing working conditions and guaranteeing fair wages after realizing how workers had been
exploited during colonial rule. To safeguard employee rights and control industrial practices, laws were
passed.

Educational Reforms: The Congress Ministries acknowledged that education is critical to the
development of a nation. In particular for the underprivileged segments of society, they moved to increase
educational opportunities and advance literacy. Enrollment rates increased as policies were developed to
support the opening of institutions and colleges.

Agricultural Reforms: The Congress Ministries put policies in place to assist farmers and increase
agricultural productivity because agriculture is the foundation of the Indian economy. With the goal of
giving farmers more security and promoting an equal allocation of land, land reforms were started to
address issues of land ownership and tenancy.

Development in Industry: Congress Ministries, promoted industrial growth and investment. An attempt
was made to lessen reliance on imported items and to support domestic industries.

Women Empowerment: The Congress Ministries worked to empower women and advance gender
equality because they understood how important it was for women to be involved in the development of
their country. Efforts were made to increase women's access to healthcare and education, as well as to
encourage their involvement in politics and society.

Congress Ministries-- Policies towards Muslims

 Government of India Act, 1935 Implementation

The Government of India Act, 1935 was not fully promulgated but the only provincial part was
introduced in the country. Muslim League and the Congress criticized it but agreed to contest provincial
elections.

 The 1937 Elections

The elections of 1937 were held with the restricted franchise and separate electorate. The
Congress projected itself as an all-India force representing all religions and factions of the
society. The Muslim League contested for the Muslim seats. There was a tough competition from
the other Muslim organizations. The elections were completed in February 1937. The Congress
got majorities in five provinces, Madras, U.P., C.P., Bihar, and Orissa. It emerged as the largest
party in Bombay and won 704 out of 1585 general seats.

The Muslim League performed poorly in the elections and got only about 21 percent of Muslim
seats without winning majority anywhere, Bengal, Punjab, NWFP, and Sindh. It was mostly due to the
organizational problems and opposition by local Muslim groups

Formation of Provincial Governments:

In July 1937, Congress formed governments in 6 provinces. In NWFP, Khudai Khidmatgar and Congress
formed a coalition government. In the Muslim majority provinces, the Muslim League could not form the
governments. The Muslim League desired to be in government in the U.P. but the Congress consented to
a conditional support:

1. Dissolve AIML Parliamentary Board

2. AIML members not to function as a separate group

3. AIML members to express allegiance to the Congress

Definitely the above-mentioned terms were a device to subvert the existence of the Muslim League.
Therefore, no agreement was possible on this issue.

 REFUSAL TO FORM COMBINED MINISTRIES


It was clear from the agenda and behaviour of Congress and Muslim League before the elections
that they would collectively run the system of government. But the election results made certain
prejudiced Congress members change their mind. They starting forming combined government
with other minorities instead of Muslim League. This was to prevent Muslim League from
gaining power.

 PLANNING AGAINST MUSLIM LEAGUE

On the basis of election results Muslims League could only form combined ministries, in three
provinces that is in Punjab, Sind and Bengal. These ministries also became a target of Congress
conspiracy. Therefore Muslim League ministries kept on forming and breaking.
 MOVEMENT FOR MUSLIM CONNECTIONS

The Congress formed a committee under the guidance of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to directly
communicate with Muslim nation. The aim of this committee was to create the misunderstanding
amongst the Muslims that the elections had proved that Muslim League was not their
representative party. Therefore they should join Congress for protection of their rights and
interests.

 INTRUSION IN JUDICIARY AND ADMINISTRATION

The leaders of Congress ministries formed in eight provinces of sub- continent ordered the Judiciary
and administration that they should respect the feelings of Congress leaders in any case. The officers
in administration and judiciary became helpless because of this advice of the Congress. The Congress
leaders started influencing their decisions.

1. REFUSAL TO FORM COMBINED MINISTRIES

It was clear from the agenda and behaviour of Congress and Muslim League before the elections that they
would collectively run the system of government. But the election results made certain prejudiced
Congress members change their mind. They starting forming combined government with other minorities
instead of Muslim League. This was to prevent Muslim League from gaining power.

2. PLANNING AGAINST MUSLIM LEAGUE

On the basis of election results Muslims League could only form combined ministries, in three provinces
that is in Punjab, Sind and Bengal. These ministries also became a target of Congress conspiracy.
Therefore Muslim League ministries kept on forming and breaking.

3. MOVEMENT FOR MUSLIM CONNECTIONS

The Congress formed a committee under the guidance of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to directly
communicate with Muslim nation. The aim of this committee was to create the misunderstanding amongst
the Muslims that the elections had proved that Muslim League was not their representative party.
Therefore they should join Congress for protection of their rights and interests.

4. INTRUSION IN JUDICIARY AND ADMINISTRATION

The leaders of Congress ministries formed in eight provinces of sub- continent ordered the Judiciary and
administration that they should respect the feelings of Congress leaders in any case. The officers in
administration and judiciary became helpless because of this advice of the Congress. The Congress
leaders started influencing their decisions.

conclusion:

The Congress Ministries of 1937–1939 showcased Indian leadership during British colonial authority and
marked the turning point in India's independence struggle. These ministries, over the leadership of leaders
such as Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, led to significant
changes in the fields of social justice, education, and economic development.The ministries gave priority
to projects that would promote a more equitable society, even in the face of limitations imposed by the
Government of India Act, 1935. Serious obstacles were presented, nonetheless, by opposition from a
variety of organizations and communal issues.However, the Congress Ministries showed that Indian
leadership was capable of running a government, which paved the way for larger movements towards
self-rule. Their legacy demonstrated the tenacity and resolve of Indian nationalists in the fight for
freedom, and it played a major role in India's eventual independence in 1947.highlighting the resilience
and determination of Indian nationalists in the struggle for freedom.