In February 1946, the British government sent the Cabinet Mission to India to discuss independence and a constitutional framework. It aimed for a negotiated transfer of power, but deep Congress–Muslim League differences and communal tensions led to its failure.

BulletsIn

• Sent by Atlee govt, landed in Delhi March 24, 1946
• Members: Pethick Lawrence (Chair), Stafford Cripps, A.V. Alexander
• Objective: create Constituent Assembly, interim govt, draft constitution
• Proposal: 3 groups of provinces (A, B, C) with union for defense, foreign affairs, communication
• Congress wanted strong centre, opposed compulsory grouping
• Muslim League pushed for grouping, saw path to Pakistan
• Both initially accepted, later diverged sharply
• League launched “Direct Action” August 16, 1946 → communal riots
• Thousands killed, partition demand intensified
• Mission failed, Atlee set deadline for British withdrawal