Page 94 - GANDHI A Biography for Children and Beginners

GANDHI – A Biography for children and beginners

15

Meanwhile, there were developments in the field of constitutional reform. The

Simon Commission which had been appointed to review the Act of 1919 had

submitted its report. But no action had been taken. In 1935 the British
Parliament passed a new Constitution for India, and it came into force in 1937.

Nationalist India was totally disappointed. There was no real transfer of power

even in the States, (then called Provinces) not to speak of the Centre. Some
powers in the States were transferred to a Council of Ministers. But even these

were subject to the veto of the British Governor. Important subjects were

reserved for the Governor. Franchise was limited. All the same, the State

Assemblies were to be elected. It gave the Congress an opportunity to prove its
public support. If the Congress kept away from the polls the Assemblies and

Governments would be formed by elements that were keeping away from the

national struggle.

The Congress was in a dilemma. Though Gandhi was not a member or office

bearer of the Congress, his advice was important for the Congress. He was the

one who had his finger on the pulse of the masses. He alone could lead the
country if the experiment failed, and it came to a struggle again. Gandhi was

not against participation in the Assemblies if the Congress could use them to

solve the crying problems of the people, like drinking water, sanitation,

welfare of the Harijans and tribals, primary and secondary education,
alcoholism and so on. The Congress decided to contest the elections. It won

massive majorities in many States, and was in a position to form Governments

in seven out of the eleven States. But it would form Governments only if the

Governor gave an assurance that they would not intervene or use his overriding
powers to thwart the policies and decisions of the people's representatives.

After long discussions, the Congress felt assured that the Governors would act

as constitutional heads. Congress Ministries were formed in most States, with
leaders like Rajagopalachari, Govind Ballabh Pant, B. G. Kher, Srikrishna Sinha,

Gopinath Bordoloi, Dr. Khan Saheb and others becoming "Prime Ministers" in the

www.mkgandhi.org Page 93