UPSC Prelims 2005 Q60: Modern History – Constitutional Developments & British Plans (1909 - 1947)
In which one of the following provinces was a Congress Ministry not formed under the Act of
1935?
- (a) Bihar
- (b) Madras
- (c) Orissa
- (d) Punjab
Answer: (d) Punjab
Explanation
Congress Ministries under the 1935 Act
| Province | Congress Ministry in 1937? |
|---|---|
| Bihar | Yes |
| Madras | Yes — C. Rajagopalachari |
| Orissa | Yes (after initial hesitation) |
| Punjab | No — Unionist Party under Sikandar Hayat Khan |
No Congress ministry was formed in Punjab, where the Unionist Party held power.
Answer: (d) Punjab.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Congress formed a ministry in Bihar.
- (b) Incorrect. Congress formed a ministry in Madras.
- (c) Incorrect. Congress formed a ministry in Orissa.
- (d) CORRECT. Punjab was governed by the Unionist Party.
Key point
1937: Congress ministries in 7 provinces, later 8-9; none in Punjab, Bengal, Sindh.
Remember
Punjab never had a Congress ministry in 1937.
Common mistakes
- Assuming Congress won in every province.
- Forgetting the Unionist Party in Punjab.
- Mixing Orissa with Bengal, where there was none.
Exam tip
Punjab: Unionists; Bengal: Krishak Praja Party and Muslim League.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — India's Struggle for Independence
- Government of India Act, 1935
- Sumit Sarkar — Modern India, 1885–1947 (Macmillan)