Question

What led to the participation of Congress in the elections after 1935?

Answer 1

Answer:

Explanation:

During 1933 March ,the British Government prepared a White Paper. In December 1933, a bill was formed on the basis of this White Paper and was put forward  in Parliament.The Bill was approved on 2nd August 1935 as the Government of India Act.

The distinctive feature of this Act was the theory of an All India  Federation which comprised of the Princely States and the Provinces of British India. The Provinces were made to join the proposed federation whereas it was made voluntary for the Princely States. The rulers nominated the representatives of the States whereas members who represented the provinces were to be elected.

During the British India period a mere 14 percent  of the entire population had the privilege to vote. The Legislature powers were both restricted and limited.  It enjoyed no control over issues related to  foreign and defense matters. The Act ensured in keeping alive the vested interest of the  British,  discouraged the theory of national  unity and  encouraged communalism and separation .

Jawaharlal Nehru along with Jinnah and other nationalist criticised the Act. Soon  Congress conveyed a meeting in Lucknow on 25th April, 1935 in which it was decided to contest the elections in order to counter the British imperialism and  bring an end to the various ordinances, regulations and Acts, which were directed against  Indian Nationalism.

Hope this helps.