Understanding the Resignation of Congress Ministries in 1939

The question asks about the reasons behind the resignation of Congress ministries in seven provinces in 1939. This event is a significant moment in India's freedom struggle, marking a turning point in the relationship between the Indian National Congress and the British government just as World War II began.

Let's analyze the provided options in the context of historical events:

Option 1: The Congress could not form ministries in the other four provinces

• Following the provincial elections of 1937, held under the Government of India Act 1935, the Congress emerged as the dominant party.
• Congress formed ministries in 7 out of the 11 provinces where elections were held (Madras, Central Provinces, Bihar, Orissa, United Provinces, Bombay, and North-West Frontier Province).
• They were the single largest party in Assam and formed coalition governments there. They could not form ministries in Bengal, Punjab, and Sindh where other parties like the Muslim League, Krishak Praja Party, Unionist Party, and United Party were dominant or formed coalitions.
• While they didn't form ministries in all 11 provinces, the reason for resigning from the 7 provinces they *did* govern was not their inability to form governments elsewhere. This option is historically inaccurate as the cause for the mass resignation.

Option 2: Emergence of a 'left wing' in the Congress made the working of the ministries impossible

• Yes, there was a significant 'left wing' within the Congress, including leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose, advocating for more radical social and economic reforms.
• There were ideological differences and debates between the left-wing and the more moderate sections within the Congress regarding the pace and extent of reforms, and the nature of cooperation with the British government.
• However, while these internal dynamics influenced policy and political discourse, the 'emergence' of the left wing did not make the day-to-day working of the provincial ministries "impossible" to the point of triggering a mass resignation across seven provinces simultaneously in 1939. The resignation was triggered by an external event and a major political disagreement with the British government.

Option 3: There were widespread communal disturbances in their provinces

• Communal tensions and incidents were a persistent issue in India during this period.
• There were certainly reports and concerns regarding communal harmony during the period of Congress rule (1937-1939), and the Muslim League raised allegations against Congress ministries regarding their treatment of minorities.
• However, the primary, stated reason for the *mass resignation* of the ministries in October/November 1939 was not widespread communal disturbances. The resignation was a deliberate political decision in response to a specific action by the British government concerning World War II.

The Actual Reason for the Resignation

The real reason for the resignation of the Congress ministries in 1939 was directly linked to the outbreak of World War II in September 1939. The Viceroy, Lord Linlithgow, declared that India was at war with Germany without consulting any Indian leaders or the elected provincial governments. This unilateral decision was deeply resented by the Congress.

The Congress demanded that the British government clarify its war aims, especially regarding India's future and independence after the war. They also demanded the formation of a provisional national government at the centre to involve Indians in the war effort and administration. When the British government did not give a satisfactory response to these demands and refused to concede significant power to Indians, the Congress leadership decided to withdraw its ministries from the provincial governments as a form of protest.

Therefore, none of the reasons provided in options (a), (b), and (c) correctly state the primary cause for the mass resignation of the Congress ministries in 1939.

Revision Table: Key Events of 1939 Congress Resignation

Additional Information: Impact of the Resignation

The resignation of the Congress ministries had several important consequences:

• It allowed the Muslim League, under Muhammad Ali Jinnah, to celebrate a 'Day of Deliverance' on December 22, 1939, marking the end of Congress rule, which they alleged was oppressive to Muslims.
• It created a political vacuum in the provinces, leading to Governor's rule under Section 93 of the Government of India Act 1935.
• It further strained the relationship between the Congress and the British government.
• It provided an opportunity for the Muslim League to increase its political influence and consolidate its position, advocating for the rights of Muslims and eventually demanding a separate nation.
• The period from 1939 to 1945, coinciding with World War II, saw significant shifts in Indian politics, including the Quit India Movement by Congress (1942) and the League's growing demand for Pakistan.