Congress Rule 1937–1939: Why Muslims Celebrated the Day of Deliverance

Congress Rule 1937-1939 changed Muslim politics. Two years of Congress ministries convinced many Muslims that their rights would not be safe in a united India.

Quick answer: After the 1937 provincial elections, Congress formed ministries in most provinces and refused to share power with the Muslim League. Policies such as Bande Mataram, the Wardha Scheme and the Vidya Mandir Scheme were seen by Muslims as attacks on their religion and culture. When the ministries resigned in 1939, the Muslim League celebrated 22 December 1939 as the Day of Deliverance.

The 1937 Elections

• Held under the Government of India Act 1935.
• Congress won clear majorities in several provinces and formed ministries in most of them.
• The Muslim League performed poorly, winning only a minority of the Muslim seats.
• Congress refused coalition governments unless the League merged with it.

Muslim Grievances Under Congress Rule

• Bande Mataram: a song with anti-Muslim themes was sung in assemblies and schools.
• Wardha Scheme: an education scheme based on Gandhi’s ideas, with no religious education, seen as turning Muslim children away from their faith.
• Vidya Mandir Scheme: schooling linked to temples in the Central Provinces.
• The Congress flag was flown on public buildings and Hindi was promoted over Urdu.
• Muslims complained of discrimination in jobs and of attacks during communal riots.

The Day of Deliverance

• In 1939 Britain declared India at war without consulting Indian leaders.
• Congress ministries resigned in protest.
• Jinnah called on Muslims to observe 22 December 1939 as the Day of Deliverance, a day of thanksgiving.

Importance

• The Muslim League grew rapidly as Muslims rallied to it.
• Jinnah emerged as the undisputed leader of Indian Muslims.
• It strengthened the Two-Nation Theory and led to the Lahore Resolution of 1940.

Exam Tip

For “Why was Congress Rule hated by Muslims?”, choose three policies and explain why each offended Muslims — do not just name them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Muslims dislike Congress Rule 1937–1939?

Policies such as Bande Mataram, the Wardha Scheme, the Vidya Mandir Scheme and the promotion of Hindi were seen as threats to Muslim religion, culture and language.

What was the Day of Deliverance?

It was observed on 22 December 1939, when Muslims gave thanks for the end of Congress ministries after they resigned.

Why did the Congress ministries resign in 1939?

They resigned in protest because Britain declared India at war in 1939 without consulting Indian leaders.