The Round Table Conferences

1. Background
Since the War of Independence 1857, British adopted the policy of winning the sympathies and confidence of the Indians by introducing the Constitutional Reforms. Growing political consciousness among the Indians. Initially British encouraged the efforts to ensure the Indians participation in the affairs of the state. But with the passage of time, the demand of responsible Govt. became a controversial issue b/w the Govt. and the people of India. Montague Chelmsford Reforms 1919: granted a limited form of responsible Govt. Simon Commission 1927 was another effort in this regard. Nehru Report 1928, due to negation of the Muslims demand failed to provide the basis of further constitutional reforms in India. Q.As 14 points in 1929 It was in such circumstances that the general election was held in England in May 1929; Labor Party came into power replacing the Conservative Govt. Ramsey Macdonald the new P.M expressed his determination to introduce the constitutional reforms aiming at the establishment of self Govt. in India. Q.A replied to Mr. Macdonald in a letter, India has lost her faith in the words of great Britain and concluded Actions are more important than words In pursuance of British Govt. Policy, the Viceroy invited Mr. Gandhi, Mr. Jinnah, Pandit Moti Lal Nehru, Patel and Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru to meet him for consultation regarding the expected conference of Indian Leaders under the auspices of the British Govt. Congress refused emphasizing the implementation of Nehru Report before any further constitutional Scheme. However, Leaders of other political parties showed great enthusiasm.

 The proposed conference was held in London in thee sessions 1930-1931-1932. London Conferences are known as Round Table Conferences.

2. First Round-Table Conference

12th Nov. 1930 in the House of Lords. Q.A said, I am glad we are here to witness the birth of a new dominion of India M .Ali Johar also delivered a thrilling speech. Two imp questions discussed: 1. Formation of All India Federation 2. Terms on which the Indians States would join the Federation Eight subcommittees were formed to deal with different matters such as Federal Structure, Provincial Constitutions, and Franchise Method in the province of Sind, the N.W.F.P., Defense Services and Minorities. A deadlock was observed in the subcommittee on the question of federal form of Govt. and the problem of minorities. However, following imp decisions were taken in 1st Round Table Conference: I. II. III. IV. Federal form of Govt. India would be given dominion status and responsible Govt. and Centre. Reforms would be introduced in the N.W.F.P. Sind would be separated from Bombay.

Ended on 19th Jan, 1931. Conclusion: Responsible Govt. Federal System in Centre Satisfaction for Muslims as their basic demand was accepted

3. Gandhi-Irwin Pact
Civil Disobedience Movement by Congress during 1st R.T.C Congress had to face humiliation and frustration when Muslims basic demands were accepted. To end this situation, Gandhi held negotiations with the viceroy. Under the influence of the Secretary of the State, Viceroy Lord Irwin Negotiated with Gandhi. These negotiations were held over four days 17th, 18th, 19th and on 27th of Feb. This pact was signed on 5th March 1931.

4. The 2nd Round Table Conference

Congress participation caused disastrous effects on the proceedings of the 2nd Round Table Conference. Gandhi was neither ready to accept Muslims as a separate nation nor the safeguard demanded by them. Gandhi was very hostile towards Muslims The prospects of this conference further weakened due to Gandhis demands: I. II. Dr. Insari should be enlisted as a Muslim representative of the Congress. All Indians should be treated as one nation.

Major issue in this conference was the Question of the Hindu Muslim relations or the problem of the Minorities. M.L was of the opinion that 14 points of Quaid should be the source of solution. Gandhi insisted to accept his following terms and conditions first: i. Muslims should accept the congress concept of Swaraj

ii.

Muslims should not support the Idea of granting privileges to the scheduled or the depressed classes.

iii.

Muslims should put forward unanimous proposals also assented by the Nationalist Muslims.

Conclusion Negative attitude of Gandhi resulted in the Failure of this con

5. The 3rd Round Table Conference

Similar to First one started in unfavorable circumstances Congress leaders, Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru and Pundit Govind Ballabhi in the U.P instigated the peasants to launch a non rent campaign against the remission granted by the Govt. as they were considered to be unsatisfactory. No rent campaign also caused troubles in Indian Bengal and the N.W.F.P. provinces. British Govt. used repressive measures to crush the anti-state campaign of congress. Congress leaders arrested. Gandhi tried to meet the Viceroy who refused to see Gandhi. Congress in reaction against the Viceroys behavior decided to launch civil disobedience movement. Viceroy responded in the same manner. Economic depression in England. Macdonald formed coalition Govt. with the Conservatives. Secretary of state for India Sir Samuel Hoare was a conservative. It started on 17th Nov. Conclusion Failed