As an alternative to the partition of India, Gandhiji suggested to Mountbatten that he
A
postpone granting of independence
B
invite Jinnah to form the government
C
invite Nehru and Jinnah to form the government together
D
invite the army to take over for some time
Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation
1. The question asks for the alternative proposed by Gandhiji to Lord Mountbatten to avoid the partition of India.
2. As partition seemed imminent amidst rising communal tensions, Gandhiji, in a final attempt to preserve Indian unity, suggested to Mountbatten that he should invite Jinnah, the leader of the Muslim League, to form the government for a united India.
3. Gandhiji proposed that Jinnah could choose his entire cabinet, hoping this offer might satisfy the League's concerns and avert partition.
4. This proposal was considered politically unfeasible by Mountbatten and the Congress leadership at that late stage.