The Rajagopalachari Formula, proposed by C. Rajagopalachari, aimed to resolve the deadlock between the Indian National Congress and All India Muslim League over the demand for Pakistan and India’s independence.

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• Rajagopalachari Formula was proposed in 1945 to break political deadlock between Congress and Muslim League.
• It is also known as CR Formula or Rajaji Formula.
• Proposal came during World War II when British policies intensified political divisions in India.
• Muslim League, led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, demanded a separate nation for Muslims.
• Congress opposed partition and supported a united independent India.
• Formula suggested that Muslim League should support Congress demand for independence.
• League was expected to cooperate in forming a provisional interim government at the Centre.
• After the war, people in Muslim-majority areas of North-West and North-East India would decide through plebiscite on separation.
• In case of partition, defence, commerce and communication would be managed jointly.
• Proposal would come into effect only after Britain transferred full powers to Indians.
• Mahatma Gandhi supported the formula as a compromise solution.
• Jinnah rejected it because he wanted acceptance of the two-nation theory by Congress.
• Jinnah also opposed voting by entire population and wanted only Muslims to participate in plebiscite.
• Hindu leaders like Vinayak Damodar Savarkar strongly criticised the proposal.
• Fear of division of Punjab and Bengal weakened Jinnah’s support for the formula.
• Proposal ultimately failed due to disagreements over plebiscite, partition and powers of the central government.