Lucknow Session of Congress (1916)

The Lucknow Session of the Indian National Congress in 1916 was a significant event where the Congress and the All India Muslim League came together to present joint political demands to the British government. This session marked an important step toward Hindu-Muslim unity and laid the groundwork for future cooperative efforts in India’s freedom struggle. This article aims to study in detail the background, major developments, and historical significance of the Lucknow Session of Congress.

About Lucknow Session of Congress (1916)

• The Lucknow Session of the Indian National Congress in 1916 was a landmark event that united diverse nationalist forces in India.
• This session, led by key figures in the independence movement, saw two pivotal developments: the reunion of Congress factions and a political alliance with the All India Muslim League, known as the Lucknow Pact.
• These efforts aimed to foster national unity and present a united front to the British government, making 1916 a significant year in the annals of Indian history.

Reunification of Congress: Moderates and Extremists

• By 1916, growing nationalist sentiment in the country motivated the need for unity among political leaders.
• In the years following the split in Congress during the Surat session of 1907, the party had divided into two wings:
  • the Extremists, led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and
  • the Moderates, represented by leaders like Gopal Krishna Gokhale.
• With nationalist fervour reaching new heights and the independence movement gaining traction, Bal Gangadhar Tilak recognised the importance of bringing Congress back together.
• Upon his release from prison in 1914, he worked to reconcile both factions.
• The Lucknow Session marked the reunion of Congress, which then pursued demands for greater constitutional reforms as a stepping stone to self-government.
• This unity brought new momentum to the movement, reflecting the growing aspiration for Indian self-rule.

The Congress-League Pact: The Lucknow Pact

• The second key development at the Lucknow Session was the historic agreement between the Indian National Congress and the All India Muslim League.
• This agreement, popularly known as the Lucknow Pact, marked a significant shift in Hindu-Muslim relations and their united political stance against British rule.
• The Muslim League, established in 1906 with a focus on securing Muslim interests, initially maintained a pro-British stance.
• However, following Britain’s decision to annul the Partition of Bengal and with rising nationalist sentiments among Muslims, a new, more assertive group within the Muslim League emerged.
• The Caliph of Turkey—revered by Muslims worldwide—was seen as a symbol of Muslim unity, and the British stance towards the Ottoman Empire during World War I fostered discontent among Indian Muslims.
• Consequently, young Muslim leaders advocated for a more assertive, nationalist position.
• The Lucknow Pact led to a landmark agreement between the Congress and the Muslim League at Lucknow.
• The Lucknow Pact saw both parties present unified political demands to the British government, emphasizing the goal of self-government and advancing the call for India’s freedom.

Key Provisions of Lucknow Pact

The Lucknow Pact established a framework for Hindu-Muslim cooperation, with notable features including:

• Self-Government in India: A commitment to achieving self-rule for India.
• Representation of Muslims: Muslims were granted one-third representation in the central government.
• Separate Electorates: Provision for separate electorates for communities, with the possibility of opting for joint electorates if desired.
• Weightage for Minority Representation: Adopting a system allows for greater minority representation in government.
• Elected Legislative Council President: Members of the Legislative Council would elect their own president.
• Increased Indian Representation in Executive Council: At least half the members of the Executive Council would be Indians elected by the Imperial Legislative Council.
• Elected Members Based on Adult Franchise: Legislative members would be elected on the basis of adult franchise.
• Community-specific Legislation: Bills concerning a specific community would require approval from three-fourths of that community’s representatives in the council.
• Provincial Executive Council Composition: At least half the members of the provincial executive councils would be Indians.
• Abolition of the India Council: The India Council was to be abolished, with the salary of the Secretary of State for Indian Affairs to be paid by the British government instead of Indian funds.

Reasons for Congress-League Alliance

• The pact was the result of changing political attitudes within the Muslim League.
• Initially formed to secure Muslim interests, the League became disillusioned with British policies, especially with the annulment of the Partition of Bengal and British actions during World War I that affected the Caliphate.
• The indifferent attitude of the British towards Muslim concerns fostered a shift among Muslim leaders toward nationalism, and they joined hands with Congress to present a united front for Indian rights.
• Additionally, Lord Chelmsford’s invitation for post-war reforms spurred the League’s involvement in mainstream politics to secure a share in potential constitutional changes.

Significance of Lucknow Session of Congress

• The Lucknow Pact was a significant achievement in Indian politics, symbolizing a new era of Hindu-Muslim unity and highlighting the commitment of Congress and the League to self-governance.
• However, while it fostered cooperation among the political elite, it did not engage the Hindu and Muslim masses at a grassroots level.
• Another contentious outcome was its acceptance of separate electorates, which later became a divisive issue in Indian politics.
• Despite these challenges, the Lucknow Pact remained an important milestone, strengthening nationalist sentiments and laying the foundation for broader mobilisation against colonial rule.

Conclusion

The Lucknow Session of 1916 was a defining moment in India’s freedom struggle, reflecting a renewed spirit of unity and resistance against British rule. By reuniting the Congress factions and aligning with the Muslim League, Indian leaders sent a powerful message to the British government of their commitment to achieving self-rule. While the Lucknow Pact introduced challenges, including entrenching separate electorates, it marked a critical step toward independence, setting a foundation for subsequent struggles and reforms. This session underscored the possibility of diverse groups working together for India’s future, highlighting the collective will for independence and self-determination.

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