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Mountbatten plan

In March 1947 Lord Mountbatten became the viceroy of India in place of Lord Wavell. He was a practical man with a realistic approach. He was swift in taking decisions, but he was not obstinate. When he came to India the hostility between the two communities had reached its peak. In the Western Provinces flames of disturbances and disorder were leaping sky-wards. In Bengal the situation was explosive. He was so deeply moved by the rapid deterioration in communal relations and disturbances that he was eager to transfer power without any delay. He had long discussions with the leaders of the Congress and the League. He found that it was difficult to solve the deadlock between the two parties. He came to the conclusion that the partition alone could solve the Indian problem. So, he prepared a plan which provided for the partition of India. It was announced on June 3rd 1947.

The following were it’s chief provisions:

·	The country would be divided into two Dominions India and Pakistan. ·	Referendum was to be held in the N.W.F.P (North Western Frontier Province) so as to ascertain whether the people there wished to stay with the Union of India or of Pakistan. ·	The provinces of Assam, Bengal and Punjab were also to be divided. ·	The States would have a choice to join either of the two dominions. ·	The transfer of power was to be formalized on August 15th 1947.

Both the Congress and the League accepted this plan. Freedom was the Doorstep but the long cherished dream of India’s unity remained shattered. Keeping in view the large-scale bloodshed, chaos and anarchy the Congress leaders, including Gandhiji, accepted the partition but in bitterness and a heavy heart. They were of the view that a small but a strong India is better than a weak one.