The Desai–Liaquat Pact emerged from secret talks in early 1945 between Bhulabhai Desai of the Congress and Liaquat Ali Khan of the Muslim League. It proposed an interim central government to resolve the political stalemate before independence, but it collapsed amid British objections and party backlash.

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• Pact discussed secretly between Desai and Liaquat during Quit India phase
• Aimed to form an interim coalition government at the Centre
• Proposed equal representation for Congress and Muslim League
• 20% central legislature seats reserved for minorities
• Government to function under Government of India Act, 1935
• British raised concerns on support, representation and Congress backing
• Both parties denied authorising the talks; mistrust deepened
• Leak in press triggered internal revolt against Desai
• Liaquat rejected pact publicly; Congress leadership disowned it
• Pact’s collapse damaged Desai’s career but paved way for Simla Conference