The Cabinet Mission plan was “The best plan put up by the British Government under the then circumstances” described

The Cabinet Mission plan was “The best plan put up by the British Government under the then circumstances” described by

(A) Nehru                                                            (B) Gandhi

(C) Rajaji                                                            (D) Jinnah

EXPLANATION

✅ Correct Answer:

(C) Rajaji (C. Rajagopalachari)

🧠 Explanation:

🔹 Background of the Cabinet Mission Plan (1946):

  • The Cabinet Mission was sent by the British Government to India in March 1946 to discuss and plan for the transfer of power from British rule to Indian leadership.

  • The Mission consisted of three British cabinet members: Lord Pethick-Lawrence, Sir Stafford Cripps, and A.V. Alexander.

🔹 Objectives:

  • To preserve the unity of India.

  • To provide for Indian independence.

  • To create a constitution-making body.

🔹 Key Proposals of the Plan:

  1. United India – No partition of India at this stage.

  2. Formation of a Constituent Assembly.

  3. Three-tier structure: Provinces grouped into three sections (A, B, C) with autonomy.

  4. Right to secede after the first general elections post-independence.

🔹 Rajaji’s View:

  • C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji), a senior Congress leader and statesman, viewed the Cabinet Mission Plan as a practical compromise to avoid partition and preserve Indian unity.

  • He described it as “the best plan put up by the British Government under the then circumstances”, appreciating its realistic approach amidst deep communal and political divides.

  • Rajaji supported dialogue and compromise over confrontation, which is reflected in his appreciation of the plan.

🔹 Why Not Others?

  • Nehru: Though Congress accepted the plan initially, Nehru’s later statements about modifying it led to mistrust, especially from the Muslim League.

  • Gandhi: Gandhi was not fully supportive and was uneasy about the grouping of provinces.

  • Jinnah: Initially accepted it, but after Congress’s interpretation, he rejected it and called for Direct Action Day.

✅ Conclusion:

Rajaji’s pragmatic stance and desire to avoid bloodshed and partition led him to praise the Cabinet Mission Plan as the best possible solution at that time.

The Cabinet Mission plan was The best plan put up by