Gandhi-Irwin Pact

The Background

In 1931 the First Round Table Conference in London made the British realize that any discussion regarding constitutional reforms would be meaningless without the involvement of the Congress Party. And also it was imperative for the British government to carry out the constitutional reforms. It forced the British government to negotiate with the Congress. Gandhi and all Congress leaders who were behind the bars were released before this Round Table Conference.

The Pact

The Congress Working Committee authorised Gandhi to negotiate with the government, who was to meet the Viceroy, Lord Irwin. After a long negotiation that lasted for about a fortnight, both agreed on several terms and on March 5, 1931, the Gandhi Irwin Pact was signed.

The government, among other things, agreed to release the political prisoners who were not involved in violence; the right of the villagers living along the coast to make salt; allow peaceful and non-aggressive boycott; and withdraw the emergency ordinance passed during the Civil Disobedience Movement.

Gandhi on behalf of the Congress party agreed to withdraw the Civil Disobedience Movement and participate in the Second Round Table Conference.