C R Formula, Proposals, Reactions, Failure

The C R Formula of 1944, proposed by C. Rajagopalachari aimed to resolve the political deadlock between the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Muslim League. As the British government demanded an agreement between these factions before any constitutional progress, the formula sought to promote cooperation by addressing the aspirations of both groups.

It included key proposals for mutual support in the independence movement, the establishment of a provisional government, and plebiscites in Muslim-majority areas for a separate nation. While Mahatma Gandhi supported this initiative, Muhammad Ali Jinnah‘s firm stance on the two-nation theory led to its eventual failure.

C R Formula Background

During the Second World War, the British government had taken a hardline position, stating that no constitutional advance would be made until the Congress reached an agreement with Muslim leaders. The Muslim League was increasingly advocating for a separate nation, Pakistan for Muslims, while the Indian National Congress opposed any division of the country. To address this stalemate between the two dominant political factions, C. Rajagopalachari, a prominent INC leader and close ally of Mahatma Gandhi, introduced a set of proposals called the C R Formula, also known as the Rajaji Formula.

C R Formula Proposals

The C R Formula sought to create a pathway for collaboration between the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League during intense political strife. By proposing compromises, it aimed to address the conflicting aspirations of both parties. The main proposals of the CR Formula were:

• Muslim League Support for Complete Independence: It called for the Muslim League to support the Congress’s demand for complete independence from British rule.
• Cooperation: The League would cooperate with Congress in establishing a provisional government at the centre.
• Post-War Plebiscite for Muslim-Majority Regions: After the war, the populations of Muslim-majority regions in North-West and North-East India would decide through a plebiscite whether to form a separate sovereign state.
• Joint Agreements in Case of Partition: If partition was accepted, there would be joint agreements to ensure the safeguarding of defence, commerce, and communications.
• Condition for Implementation: These proposals would only come into effect if the British government transferred full powers to India.

C R Formula Reactions

The C R Formula generated a spectrum of responses from various political factions. While it represented a tacit acceptance of the Muslim League’s demand for Pakistan, it also sparked intense debate within the Congress and among Hindu leaders.

• Gandhi’s Support: Mahatma Gandhi endorsed the formula as a potential compromise.
• Jinnah’s Opposition: Muhammad Ali Jinnah insisted on the two-nation theory and preferred only Muslims from North-West and North-East India to vote in the plebiscite. He also opposed a common central government.
• Congress’ Stance: The Congress was willing to cooperate with the League for the independence of the Indian Union.
• Hindu Leaders’ Condemnation: Hindu leaders, particularly Vir Savarkar, vehemently condemned the C R Plan, viewing it as a betrayal of Hindu interests and an endorsement of communal division.

C R Formula Failure

In September 1944, Gandhi and Jinnah met in an attempt to ease the deadlock between the Congress and the Muslim League. Gandhi presented the C R Formula as his proposal to Jinnah, hoping to find common ground. However, after two weeks of negotiations, the talks broke down, reflecting the deep-seated mistrust and conflicting aspirations between the two leaders and their parties.