Confidential Note by Sir Abdul Karim Ghaznavi on Muslim Representation in Bengal

Sub title : Detailed Analysis of Seats, Special Interests, and Muslim Demands

Subject: Muslim representation in Bengal | Franchise Committee Report | Special interests seats | European and Indian commerce

Date of publication: 1932

Language: English

Page: 6p.

Source: National Archives of Pakistan

Serial no: 28516

Keyword: Muslim representation -- Bengal legislature -- Franchise Committee 1932 -- Special interests -- European commerce | Women seats -- Purdah -- Communal percentage -- Ramsay MacDonald -- Sir Abdul Karim Ghaznavi -- Minorities Pact

Abstract: This confidential note, authored by Sir Abdul Karim Ghaznavi (Honourable Alhadj Sir Adelkerim Ghuznavi), a member of the Bengal Government, is addressed to British Prime Minister J. Ramsay MacDonald. Dated 20 June 1932, it presents a detailed critique and counter-proposal to the Indian Franchise Committee's recommendations for seat allocation in the Bengal Legislative Council. Ghaznavi argues that Muslims, constituting 54.85% of Bengal's population, are entitled to proportional representation and should hold at least 51% of total seats (127 out of 250) as per the Minorities Pact. He objects to the over-representation of Special Interests (European and Indian commerce) and argues against reserved seats for purdah-observing Muslim women, which he views as an encroachment on religious custom.

Description: A comprehensive confidential note arguing for proportionate Muslim political representation in Bengal, challenging the Franchise Committee's seat allocation and highlighting concerns about special interest groups and women's reservation in the early 1930s constitutional debates. SCANNED BY: NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF PAKISTAN.

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