The election of 1937 was a pivotal moment in the history of the Republic of India. It was the first general election held after the adoption of the Government of India Act 1935, which established a federal system of government in the country. The act also granted provinces greater autonomy and introduced adult suffrage, allowing all citizens over the age of 21 to vote.
The election was held in the midst of significant political and social changes in India. The country was still under British rule, but the Indian independence movement was gaining momentum. The Congress Party, led by Jawaharlal Nehru, was the dominant political force, but there were also several other parties, including the Muslim League, the Hindu Mahasabha, and the Communist Party of India.
The Congress Party won a landslide victory in the election, winning almost three-fourths of the seats in the central legislature. This gave them a strong mandate to pursue their agenda of independence and social reform.
Despite the Congress Party's victory, the election was not without controversy. There were allegations of voter intimidation and fraud, and the Muslim League, which had fared poorly in the election, accused the Congress Party of rigging the vote.
Overall, the election of 1937 marked a significant turning point in the history of India. It marked the beginning of a new era of self-governance and paved the way for the country's eventual independence from British rule. It also highlighted the complex and diverse nature of Indian politics and the challenges that lay ahead for the country as it sought to forge a path towards a more democratic and inclusive future.
Congress Rule of 1937
We are sinking to the level of ordinary politicians. It won almost 750 seats out of 1,771 in 8 out of 11 provinces. A History of India PDF 4thed. According to Wardha Scheme, the medium of instruction in the schools would be Hindi. Despite mill owners protesting against the recommendations, they were implemented. Retrieved February 15, 2022. Different social classes had their own expectations from the Congress and accordingly their aspirations went up with Courtesy: eGyanKosh.
1937 United States House of Representatives elections
As a result of which, Congress ministries were formed in July 1937 but with bitter policy against Muslims: Hindi became the national language, Congress flag became the national flag, and Bande Matram became the national anthem. A Concise History of Modern India PDF 2nded. Retrieved May 5, 2019— via Newspapers. Now, what lay before them was the task of persuading their concerned masses to support them in the upcoming elections. They were expelled from government offices and career opportunities were closed for them. The Congress won 18 seats and the Akali Dal, 10.
The Election of 1937 and the formation of Congress ministries: Part I
In light of this act, the Government held elections at the provincial level in 1937 on basis of separate electorates. They considered religious education in schools important for which they had their own schools. It also demonstrated the provincial moorings of Muslim politics. Congress, on the other hand, was raising slogans of joint electorates. But, in general, they were not able to satisfy the Left- wing critics.
(PDF) 1937 elections
Retrieved February 15, 2022. Retrieved February 15, 2022. A History of India PDF 4thed. But Muslim League, which stood for separate electorates, was unfortunately divided in several factions owing to personal and ideological differences. A Concise History of Modern India PDF 2nded.
