Introduction

The Congress won a majority in six provinces and formed coalitions in 2 more. The aim was to bring reform in legislature and administration and continue the Gandhian strategy of Struggle – Truce – Struggle.

Although the ministries had limited power they took steps to implement reforms, reduce the draconian conditions; improve the condition of the people. The repealing of draconian laws, revoking bans on political groups, removing press censorship, and returning arms licenses were some of the actions seen.

Police were the most repressive arm of the state and here the ministries stopped the CID from shadowing political workers and police powers were curbed.

These measures were not seen in the non-congress provinces. The lands confiscated during the civil disobedience movements were returned and pensions of those who had resigned during the movement were reinstated. Agrarian reforms were limited as the congress had to depend on the upper house which was dominated by landlords and the bourgeois class for it.

Also, the real power was in the hands of the governor and the viceroys. However, Congress tried its best to implement agrarian reforms. Reservations were also given for depressed classes in government service. Labor reforms were carried out.

The Congress government also aimed to develop planning through the National Planning Committee formed by SC Bose in 1938.

J Nehru said that political work and education of the masses too had to be carried out along with constitutional work.

Drawbacks of the congress rule:

1. A great deal of factional and bickering on personal and ideological fronts.
2. Careerists and opportunists joined the congress to associate with a party in power.
3. Slackening of the movement and weakening of moral fibers.

The Congress ministries resigned after the British joined WW II and dragged India into it. The resignations had a positive effect that they brought both right and left wings closer to the question of joining the war. The congress had shattered one myth of the British: That Indians aren’t fit to rule.

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