UPSC Prelims PYQ 1996: First, Second and Third Round Table Conferences

The meeting of Indian and British political leaders during 1930–32 in London has often been referred to as the First, Second and Third Round Table Conferences. It would be incorrect to refer to them as such because:

1. the Indian National Congress did not take part in two of them
2. Indian parties other than the Indian National Congress participating in the Conference represented sectional interests and not the whole of India
3. the British Labour Party had withdrawn from the Conference, thereby making the proceedings of the Conference partisan
4. it was an instance of Conference held in three sessions and not that of three separate conferences

Explanation

Option (d) is correct

• The Round Table deliberations (1930–32) in London were part of one continuous constitutional negotiation process held in three sessions. Though commonly described as three conferences, technically, they were three sessions of the same conference.

Answer: (d) It was an instance of a conference held in three sessions and not that of three separate conferences