Meerut Congress Session of 1946

The 54th annual session of the Indian National Congress met at Victoria Park in Meerut, United Provinces, in November 1946. Presided over by Acharya J.B. Kripalani, this convention stands as the final annual session of the Congress held prior to Indian Independence in August 1947. The meeting convened during a turbulent political transition marked by the formation of the Interim Government, ongoing deliberations of the Constituent Assembly, and widespread communal violence following the Muslim League’s Direct Action Day.

Historical Context and Political Setting

The Meerut session was held from November 23 to November 24, 1946, ending a six-year gap in regular annual sessions caused by World War II and the Quit India Movement. The previous regular annual session was held at Ramgarh in 1940 under Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. By November 1946, the political landscape had shifted toward the transfer of power. The Cabinet Mission had visited India earlier in the year, leading to the formation of the Interim Government on September 2, 1946, with Jawaharlal Nehru as Vice-President of the Executive Council. However, severe communal riots in Bengal, Bihar, and the Punjab created intense social instability, forcing the Congress leadership to focus on restoring order and securing a smooth transition to power.

Key Leadership and Major Resolutions

Acharya J.B. Kripalani assumed the presidency of the Indian National Congress at Meerut, taking over from Jawaharlal Nehru, who had briefly served as interim president following Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s long tenure from 1940 to 1946.

Approval of Interim Government and Constituent Assembly

The session formally ratified the decision of the Congress leadership to join the Interim Government and participate in the Constituent Assembly scheduled to meet in December 1946. The delegates declared that the Interim Government was a stepping stone toward complete independence.

Resolution on Communal Harmony

In the wake of the Noakhali and Bihar riots, the session passed a resolution condemning communal violence. The Congress declared that true freedom could not exist in an atmosphere of religious hatred and reaffirmed its commitment to a secular state with equal rights for all citizens.

Directive on Princely States and Foreign Relations

The Congress urged the rulers of the Princely States to grant democratic rights to their subjects and join the Constituent Assembly. The session also approved the establishment of diplomatic relations with foreign countries, supporting the emerging non-aligned foreign policy articulated by Nehru.

Participation of INA Personnel and Symbolic Events

The Meerut session incorporated officers and soldiers of the Indian National Army (INA) into official event operations for the first time.

• Volunteer Core Command: Major General Ganpat Ram Nagar, who served as General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Malaya Division in the INA, was entrusted by Nehru to command the volunteer core managing arrangements at Victoria Park.
• INA Leaders Present: Senior INA figures, including Colonel Shah Nawaz Khan, attended the session as honored guests, reflecting the nationalist support for INA soldiers following the Red Fort trials.
• Hoisting of the Tricolour: Jawaharlal Nehru hoisted a 9×14 foot khadi Tricolour flag featuring a central spinning wheel (charkha). This historical flag was later entrusted to Major General Ganpat Ram Nagar for preservation.

Comparative Overview: Transition Phase Congress Sessions

Facts for Revision

• The Meerut Session of November 1946 was the 54th annual session of the Indian National Congress.
• It was the final annual session of the Congress held prior to India gaining independence on August 15, 1947.
• Acharya J.B. Kripalani presided over the Meerut session, serving as Congress President during the official transfer of power in 1947.
• The venue of the session was Victoria Park in Meerut, United Provinces.
• This session resumed the pattern of annual conventions after a six-year break caused by World War II and the Quit India Movement.
• Major General Ganpat Ram Nagar of the Indian National Army led the volunteer core in organizing the session logistics.
• Jawaharlal Nehru hoisted a large hand-spun khadi Tricolour flag with a full charkha in the center during the opening ceremonies.
• The session formally endorsed Congress participation in the Interim Government and the upcoming Constituent Assembly.
• Resolutions passed at Meerut focused on curbing communal violence, supporting democratic rights in Princely States, and building a secular state.
• J.B. Kripalani continued as Congress President until late 1947, when he resigned over differences regarding the relationship between the party executive and the cabinet, leading to Dr. Rajendra Prasad taking charge.