The Wavell Plan (1945) was introduced by Lord Archibald Wavell, the Viceroy of British India, to resolve the political deadlock between the British Government, the Indian National Congress and the All India Muslim League. The plan proposed the reconstitution of the Executive Council with predominantly Indian members, while retaining the Viceroy and Commander-in-Chief. It also proposed equal Hindu-Muslim representation and safeguards for minorities.
The Simla Conference (June–July 1945) was convened to implement the plan, but it failed because of a major disagreement over the right to nominate Muslim representatives. Muhammad Ali Jinnah insisted that only the Muslim League could nominate Muslim members, while Congress maintained that it had the right to represent and nominate Muslims as well. The failure deepened political tensions and strengthened the demand for Pakistan, eventually contributing to the emergence of the Cabinet Mission Plan.
Author: Darshita Neeraj
Senior Researcher,
Mudita Learning and Knowledge Private Limited
Email: info@muditabooks.com
Date of post: 12.08.2026
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