Reasons
- It emerged in response to the Indian National Congress’s increased political activism and growing demands for self-government.
Aim
- To secure India’s help in the British war efforts.
Provisions
- Dominion status for India.
- Expansion of the viceroy’s executive council to include a majority of Indians.
- After the war, a constituent assembly of mostly Indians would create a constitution based on India’s social, economic, and political ideals, while ensuring defence, minority rights, state treaties, and national services are protected.
- There will be no future constitution without the approval of minorities.
India’s Reaction
- Congress – The August Offer was rejected by the Congress.
- Nehru – “Dominion status is dead as a doornail,” Nehru declared.
- Gandhi – According to Gandhi, the proclamation increased the schism between nationalists and British authorities.
- Muslim League – The Muslim League hailed the veto assurance and restated its view that split was the only way out of the impasse.