ALL INDIA MUSLIM LEAGUE (AIML)

GS 1 – INDIAN NATIONAL MOVEMENT

The All-India Muslim League (AIML), established 118 years ago, was founded in 1906 in Dhaka (now in Bangladesh). Its creation was influenced by the British government’s divide-and-rule strategy, which encouraged aristocratic Muslim leaders to form a political body to protect Muslim interests. Prominent leaders at its inception included the Aga Khan (its first president), the Nawab of Dhaka, Khwaja Salimullah, and Nawab Mohsin-ul-Mulk. Initially, the League represented elite Muslim men. Muhammad Ali Jinnah joined AIML in 1913, while he was also a member of the Indian National Congress.

Developments

1. Strained Relations with the Government

The relationship between Muslims and the British government deteriorated after the Morley-Minto Reforms due to:

• The 1911 annulment of Bengal’s partition.
• The refusal to establish Aligarh University in 1912.
• Britain’s lack of support for Turkey during the Italian and Balkan Wars.

2. Lucknow Pact (1916)

• In December 1916, the AIML, led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and the Congress, led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak, signed the Lucknow Pact.
• Both demanded greater constitutional reforms toward self-governance.
• The pact called for more Indian representation in legislative councils and executive bodies, and Congress agreed to separate electorates for Muslims.

3. Delhi Proposals (1927)

The AIML proposed giving up separate electorates in favor of joint electorates if the following demands were met:

• Sind’s separation from the Bombay Presidency.
• Reforms in the North-West Frontier Province and Baluchistan.
• One-third Muslim representation in the Central Legislature.
• Representation based on population in Punjab and Bengal (Muslim-majority regions).

4. Internal Division (1927)

• Disagreements within AIML over joint electorates caused a split:
• Jinnah League: Supported joint electorates, led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
• Shafi League: Opposed joint electorates, led by Sir Muhammad Shafi.

5. Lahore Resolution (1940)

• In its 1940 Lahore session, AIML passed the Pakistan Resolution, seeking autonomy for Muslim-majority areas in India.
• It also demanded constitutional safeguards for Muslims and other minorities in regions where they were in the minority.
• March 23 is celebrated as Pakistan National Day to honor this resolution.