Proposal for an Interim Government with Congress-League Parity

Sub title : A Constitutional Scheme to Break the Political Deadlock

Subject: Interim Government | Viceroy's Plan | Congress-League Parity | Constitutional Formula | Political Settlement

Date of publication: 1946

Language: English

Page: 2.p

Source: National Archives of Pakistan

Serial no: 28484

Keyword: Interim Government -- Viceroy's Plan -- Congress-League Parity -- Hindu-Muslim Settlement | Cabinet Formula -- Political Deadlock -- Voting Mechanism -- Constitutional Proposal | M.A. Jinnah -- Muslim League Demands

Abstract: This document presents a detailed proposal to break the political deadlock between the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League by extending and modifying the Viceroy's plan for an Interim Government. It suggests maintaining a 14-member senior cabinet with two specific substitutions (e.g., Sarat Chandra Bose for Hare Krishna Mehtab). To achieve Hindu-Muslim parity and broader representation, the plan proposes adding 14 Parliamentary Under-Secretaries. These junior posts would be allocated to give the League 5 and the Congress 9, ensuring a final composition of 12 Hindus, 12 Muslims, and 4 others (Anglo-Indians, etc.). A unique voting mechanism is described to resolve deadlocks in the senior cabinet without relying on an external casting vote.

Description: This is a strategic constitutional memorandum aimed at resolving the critical impasse between the Congress and the League over representation in the interim government—a central issue in the transfer of power negotiations. The proposal ingeniously uses junior ministerial posts to achieve the Muslim League's key demand for parity with the Congress in the overall executive, while also accommodating other groups. The detailed voting formula highlights the intense focus on procedural safeguards to prevent either party from dominating. It reflects the kind of intricate political engineering discussed during the Cabinet Mission Plan period (1946), directly addressing the concerns championed by M.A. Jinnah and the League. SCANNED BY: NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF PAKISTAN.

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