| Brief Summary
In April 1944, C. Rajagopalachari proposed a solution: a post war commission would be formed to demarcate the contiguous districts where the Muslims were in absolute majority, and there a plebiscite of the adult population would decide whether they would prefer Pakistan, in case of a partition there would be a mutual agreement to run essential services, like defence, communication, etc. , the border districts could choose to join either of the two sovereign states, the implementation of the scheme would wait till after full transfer of power. In July, 1944, Gandhiji proposed talks with Jinnah on the basis of Rajaji formula, which indeed amounted to an acceptance of Pakistan demand. But Jinnah did not agree to this proposal and Gandhi-Jinnah talks in September 1944 broke down. In Gandhiji’s view, the talks failed because of fundamental differences in perspectives: while he looked at separation as within the family and therefore preferred to retain some elements of partnership, Jinnah wanted complete dissolution with sovereignty. It is difficult to tell, however, whether Gandhiji’s perception was true or Jinnah at this stage was not contemplating partition, but was fighting for his principal demand for the recognition of parity between Hindus and Muslims as two equal nations, whatever their numbers might have been.
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