17. GOVERNMENT OF INDIA ACT 1935 — CONTEXT & PROVINCIAL ELECTIONS 1937

17. GOVERNMENT OF INDIA ACT 1935 — CONTEXT & PROVINCIAL ELECTIONS 1937

(Detailed Act provisions covered in the separate Acts/Reforms notes; only the political-movement context here.)

• Government of India Act, 1935 introduced provincial autonomy and a federal structure (federation itself never actually came into force).
• Provincial elections held in early 1937 under this Act; Indian National Congress won a majority in 8 out of 11 provinces (e.g., Madras, UP, Bihar, Orissa, CP, Bombay), formed ministries.
• Congress ministries (1937–1939): Implemented several popular measures — release of political prisoners, support for civil liberties, promotion of Hindi/Indian languages, Wardha Scheme of Basic Education (Nai Talim, based on Gandhian ideas).
• Resignation of Congress ministries (October–November 1939): In protest against the Viceroy Lord Linlithgow declaring India a party to World War II (September 1939) without consulting Indian leaders/elected representatives — Congress ministries across provinces resigned in protest.
• Muslim League (under Jinnah) observed a "Deliverance Day" (December 1939) celebrating the resignation, alleging Congress rule had been oppressive towards Muslims — deepening Congress-League estrangement, a precursor to later demand for Pakistan (League's Lahore Resolution, March 1940, demanding separate Muslim states).

Key Facts / Quick Revision Points — GoI Act 1935 & Congress Ministries

• 1937 provincial elections — Congress won majority in 8/11 provinces.
• Congress ministries resigned Oct-Nov 1939, protesting India's inclusion in WWII without consultation.
• Muslim League's Lahore Resolution (March 1940) — demand for separate Muslim states (basis of Pakistan demand).