The British Government sent a mission headed by Sir Stafford Cripps to India in March 1942. In this context, answer the following:

(a) Why was the mission sent to India?

(b) Mention any three proposals of the Cripps' Mission.

(c) Why were these proposals rejected by both the Congress and the Muslim League?

(a) With the Japanese army rapidly advancing towards India, it became necessary for the British to break the political deadlock in India. Winston Churchill announced in March 1942, that Sir Stafford Cripps, a member of the War Cabinet, would go to India for consultation with all the parties and convince them to assist the British in Second World War.

(b) Three proposals of the Cripps' Mission were-

1. India would be given a Dominion Status when the war would end.
2. A Constituent Assembly would be set up. It would consist of the members elected by the Lower House of the Indian Legislature and the representatives of the Princely States nominated by their rulers. It would be set up to draft a new Constitution.
3. Provisions would also be made for the protection of the racial and religious minorities.

(c) The proposals of Cripps' Mission were rejected by the Congress because of the following reasons-

1. The plan involved partitioning the country.
2. The Congress was opposed to the principle of non-accession of the provinces. Gandhiji opposed the Declaration and urged the Working Committee to reject it. Mahatma Gandhi described the Cripps' proposals as a 'post-dated cheque on a failing bank.'
3. The Congress wanted that all Subjects, including Defence should be handed over to the National Government. The Congress insisted on the immediate formation of a National Government with full responsibility.

The proposals of Cripps' Mission were rejected by the Muslim League because the League opposed the creation of a single union. The proposals did not accept Pakistan specifically. They did not grant the right of self-determination to Muslims.