The Muslim League (1906) and the Morley-Minto Reforms (1909)

The All-India Muslim League was founded at Dhaka on 30 December 1906, and the Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909 gave Muslims separate electorates, which is regarded as the beginning of communal politics in law.

Simla Deputation (1 October 1906)

A group of 35 Muslim leaders led by the Aga Khan met Lord Minto and asked for separate electorates and weightage in the legislative councils and services. It is believed to have been supported by British officials.

Foundation of the Muslim League

• Founded on 30 December 1906 at Dhaka, at the All-India Muhammadan Educational Conference, with Nawab Salimullah of Dhaka, Nawab Viqar-ul-Mulk and the Aga Khan (first honorary president).
• Aims: to promote loyalty to the British government, to protect the political rights of Muslims, and not to oppose other communities.
• Later change: in 1913 it adopted the aim of self-government, and Jinnah joined it.

Morley-Minto Reforms (Indian Councils Act, 1909)

• Secretary of State John Morley and Viceroy Lord Minto.
• The Imperial Legislative Council was enlarged to 60 members, and provincial councils were also enlarged. Non-official majority in provincial councils (some members were nominated, and elected members were chosen indirectly).
• Separate electorates for Muslims, and for landholders, chambers of commerce, etc.
• Members could ask supplementary questions and discuss the budget.
• The first Indian member in the Viceroy's Executive Council: Satyendra Prasanno Sinha (1909).
• Morley himself said that the reforms were not meant to lead to a parliamentary system.

Consequences

• Communal electorates (called by Nehru and others a divisive step) split Indian politics along religious lines.
• Nationalists were disappointed as real power remained with the British. Minto is called the "Father of Communal Electorate".
• Hindu Mahasabha (1915) was founded at Haridwar (Madan Mohan Malaviya).