August Offer

The Viceroy of India, Lord Linlithgow, issued a statement from Simla on 8 August 1940 in the response of when congress formally ask England to affirm its adherence  to the goal of Independence for India which is popularly known August Offer.

Proposals of August’s Offer

• The establishment of an advisory war council

• After the war a representative Indian body would be set up to frame a constitution for India.

• Viceroy’s Executive Council would be expanded without delay.

• The minorities were assured that the government would not transfer power “to any system of government whose authority is directly denied by large and powerful elements in Indian national life.”

It was the first time; the inherent right of Indians was recognised through constitutional framing and Congress confessed for the formation of constituent assembly. The Congress rejected the August Offer. Nehru said, “Dominion status concept is dead as a door nail.” Gandhi said that the declaration had widened the gulf between the nationalists and the British rulers. The Muslim League was happy on the veto assurance and states that the solution of political deadlock was only the partition. In the context of widespread dissatisfaction that prevailed over the rejection of the demands made by the Congress, Gandhi at the meeting of the Congress Working Committee in Wardha revealed his plan to launch Individual Civil Disobedience.

Conclusion

August Offer formal statement issued by the Viceroy of India, Lord Linlithgow, that laid the foundation of constitutional framing and Congress confessed for the formation of constituent assembly.