Maintaining Momentum: Hassan Ispahani's Correspondence with M.A. Jinnah on Bengal Politics and Press Independence

Sub title : Assembly Battles to the "Star of India" Controversy

Subject: M.A. Jinnah | All-India Muslim League | Bengal Politics | Hassan Ispahani

Date of publication: 1943

Language: English

Page: 72 p.

Source: National Archives of Pakistan

Serial no: 27624

Keyword: M.A. Jinnah -- Hassan Ispahani -- Star of India -- Press Independence | Khwaja Nazimuddin -- A.K. Fazlul Haq -- Bengal Legislative Assembly -- Council Elections | Food Debate -- Jinnah Fund -- Assassination Attempt -- Muslim League Discipline

Abstract: This collection from 1943-1945 captures the maturation of the Muslim League's power in Bengal following Fazlul Haq's ouster. The correspondence details the League's growing dominance in the Legislative Assembly, marked by significant electoral victories and a decisive win in a crucial food debate. A central conflict emerges between the independent editorial stance of the "Star of India" (owned by Ispahani) and the provincial League leadership under Nazimuddin, who sought to control the narrative. Ispahani staunchly defends press freedom, arguing that a League paper's primary loyalty is to the All-India policy, not provincial leaders. The documents also include Ispahani's reaction to the assassination attempt on Jinnah and his continued role in managing party funds and offering strategic political counsel.

Description: The Muslim League consolidating its hard-won power in Bengal. Hassan Ispahani's letters to Jinnah triumphantly report on the League's increasing strength in the assembly, the routing of Fazlul Haq's faction in council elections, and a major parliamentary victory during a heated food crisis debate. The most significant theme is the internal struggle over the party's voice, crystallized in a heated exchange of letters with Khwaja Nazimuddin. Nazimuddin demanded that the "Star of India" submit to the provincial League's control after it criticized him, but Ispahani firmly rebutted this, asserting the newspaper's duty to uphold All-India League principles over provincial personalities. This principled stand on press freedom, directed ultimately to Jinnah as the final arbiter, reveals the complex balance between centralized ideology and provincial authority. The collection also includes Ispahani's heartfelt telegram following the attempt on Jinnah's life and his characteristically sharp political warnings, cementing his role as a multifaceted pillar of the Pakistan movement. SCANNED BY: NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF PAKISTAN.

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