Study the picture and answer the following questions:

(a) Identify the person in the picture with Gandhiji. When and why did he come to India?

(b) Give any two important points in the proposals given by this person. How did Gandhiji describe his proposals?

(c) Why were the proposals of this Mission rejected by both the Congress and the Muslim League?

(a) The person shown in the picture with Gandhiji is Sir Stafford Cripps.

Churchill announced in March 1942, that Sir Stafford Cripps, a member of the War Cabinet, would go to India for consultation with all the parties and convince them to assist the British in Second World War.

(b) Two important points in the proposals given by Sir Stafford Cripps were-

1. India would be given a Dominion Status when the War would end.
2. A Constituent Assembly would be set up. It would consist of the members elected by the Lower House of the Indian Legislature and the representatives of the Princely States nominated by their rulers. It would be set up to draft a new Constitution.

Mahatma Gandhi described the Cripps' proposals as a 'post-dated cheque on a failing bank.'

(c) The Congress rejected the proposals of the Cripps' Mission on the following grounds:

1. It did not promise independence of India in the near future.
2. The plan involved partitioning the country.
3. The Congress was opposed to the principle of non-accession of the provinces. Gandhiji opposed the Declaration and urged the Working Committee to reject it.
4. The Congress wanted that all Subjects, including Defence should be handed over to the National Government. The Congress insisted on the immediate formation of a National Government with full responsibility.

The Muslim League rejected the proposals as it did not accept Pakistan specifically. They did not grant the right of self-determination to Muslims.