Who was the Father of the Communal Electorate?

By Balaji

Updated on: February 28th, 2023

The Father of the Communal Electorate was Lord Minto. This resulted in the passage of the Indian Councils Act of 1909, which established separate Muslim electorates. By introducing voters based entirely on religion, the act essentially “legalized sectarianism” or communalism.

Table of content

1. Father of the Communal Electorate
2. Who was the Father of the Communal Electorate?

Father of the Communal Electorate

Few Indians received this opportunity, despite Queen Victoria’s declaration that they would be treated equally. This was because the British government was reluctant to accept them as partners on an equal footing.

Lord Curzon directed the division of Bengal in 1905.
It sparked a significant insurgency in Bengal.
Following this, the British rulers realized that some changes needed to be made in the Indian administration.
The Indian National Congress prioritized further reforms and Indians’ right to self-government (INC).
The previous Congress leaders were moderates, but the number of extreme politicians who supported more violent tactics increased dramatically.
In 1906, the Indian National Congress called for home rule.
Gopal Krishna Gokhale contacted Morley in England to stress the importance of change.
In 1906, a delegation from Shimla met with Lord Minto and requested a separate electorate for Muslims. The delegation was led by Aga Khan.

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