ReadWithMe IAG Series Part 3: In order to aid the book reading journey below you would find the summary and vocabulary included in each section of the book. It is advised to read the portion provided for each section before proceeding with the read for a wholesome experience. All credits are reserved with the author Ramchandra Guha, this is merely an effort to ease the reading process for the development of literary appreciation.
Chapter 2
Logic Behind Partition
Three parties can be blamed for the division:
Congress Leadership - short sighted
Jinnah - personal ambition
British
Two ways of garnering votes in modern politics:
Hope: Used by INC, showing the idea of a better future.
Fear appeal: used by Muslim league “Islam In danger”- It is the idea of inculcating fear of ones community being crushed and erased.
Jinnah once a supporter of brotherhood saw his growing strength and 1940 called for Pakistan. Voting took place and winning 70%+ seats reserved for Muslims called for “Direct Action Day” aka 16 August 1946 Calcutta killings demanding a separate Muslim homeland. Gandhi tried stopping it by asking Jinnah to lead a free Indian state but he denied and congress didn't support the idea.
Bloggers Blot
The prevalent Indian political parties are utilizing a blend of fear and hope. While one focusses on caressing the majority religion along with the idea of development in India the other cajoles the minorities with the idea of employment for the youth.
Very apt synthesis