On 02 September 1946, the Interim Government of India was formed as part of the transition towards Indian independence from British colonial rule. This government functioned under the framework of the Government of India Act of 1935 and was an important step in the decolonization process.
Key Points about the Interim Government:
Formation and Purpose:
- The Interim Government was established following the recommendations of the Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946, which sought to create a temporary governing body to manage India's affairs while preparations for full independence were made.
- It was meant to bridge the gap between British rule and full independence.
Composition:
- The government was composed of members from the Indian National Congress, the Muslim League, and other key political groups, though the Muslim League initially refused to join and later participated.
- Jawaharlal Nehru served as the Vice President of the Executive Council, effectively functioning as the head of the government.
- Other key members included leaders like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Rajendra Prasad, and C. Rajagopalachari from the Congress, and eventually, Liaquat Ali Khan and others from the Muslim League.
Challenges:
- The government faced significant challenges due to the escalating communal tensions between Hindus and Muslims, which would eventually lead to the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947.
- It also had to manage the complex process of negotiating the terms of independence with the British government.
End of the Interim Government:
- The Interim Government continued to function until 15 August 1947, when India gained independence and was partitioned into two nations: India and Pakistan.
- After independence, the government became the first administration of independent India until elections were held.
This government laid the groundwork for the constitutional development of independent India and Pakistan.