The Government of India Act, 1935

                            The Simon Commission report submitted in 1930 formed the basis for the Government of India Act received the royal assent on Aug.4   1935. 

                            The Act continued and extended all the existing features of earlier constitutional reforms. But in addition there were certain new principle introduced. It provided for a federal type of government. 

  Thus the act:

 (i) introduced provincial autonomy

 (ii) Abolished diarchy in provinces 

(iii) Made ministers responsible to the legislative and federation at the centre. 

                        The Act of 1935 was condemned by nearly all sections of Indian Public opinion and was unanimously rejected by the Congress. 

                       The Congress demanded itself the convening of a Constituent Assembly elected on the basis of adult franchise to frame a constitution for an independent India. Regarding the Government of India Act, 1935 J.L. Nehru remarks, ‘It was a new charter of Slavery.’

                      Although the Congress opposed the Act, yet it contested the elections when the constitution was introduced on April, 1, 1937; and formed ministries, first in 6 provinces and then in another 2.

                      The Muslim League was however, not happy with the Congress rule, esp. Mr. Jinnah, who described it in those words: ‘Congress was drunk with power and was oppressive against Muslims’.