UPSC Prelims PYQ 2000: Gandhiji’s alternative to partition suggested to Mountbatten

As an alternative to the partition of India, Gandhiji suggested to Mountbatten that he:

1. postpone granting of independence
2. invite Jinnah to form the government
3. invite Nehru and Jinnah to form the government together
4. invite the army to take over for some time

Explanation

Option (b) is correct

• In 1947, to prevent the partition of India, Mahatma Gandhi suggested to Lord Mountbatten that Muhammad Ali Jinnah be invited to form the government at the Centre. Gandhi believed that this step might preserve India’s unity and avoid division.

Answer: (b) invite Jinnah to form the government