Why Congress Agreed to Partition — UPSC Prelims PYQ 1998

The Indian National Congress agreed in 1947 to the partition of the country mainly because

1. the principle of Two-Nation theory was then acceptable to them
2. it was imposed by the British Government and the Congress was helpless in this regard
3. they wanted to avoid large-scale communal riots
4. India would have otherwise lost the opportunity to attain freedom

Explanation

Option (c) is correct

• By 1946–47, communal violence had intensified after Direct Action Day and subsequent riots. Congress leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel accepted Partition as a practical solution to prevent prolonged civil war and bloodshed.

Answer: (c) they wanted to avoid large-scale communal riots