Azad Punjab Scheme and Resistance among the Sikhs: A Critical Analysis

Abstract

The politics of Punjab from 1940 to 1947 is replete with many important events and happenings. These seven years formulated the partition drive and witnessed the great partition. The Punjab played a very vital role during this crucial phase. Punjab politics was heated up, especially after the Lahore Resolution of 1940. The demand for Pakistan and the rise of the All India Muslim League in the masses got pace. The Sikhs tried to counter the demand of Pakistan and they floated a new scheme to counter the Pakistan scheme and this was the Azad Punjab Scheme. The underlying study explores the dimensions of the Azad Punjab Scheme and also digs out critique of the scheme by the various Sikh factions and leaders. It is the widespread notion that Sikhs entirely supported the Azad Punjab Scheme but there is evidence that the Azad Punjab Scheme was categorically rejected and criticized by various Sikh factions and leadership. The Sikhs were lulled by the Indian National Congress and ultimately they were betrayed later on they (Sikhs) resented and criticized their leadership, especially Master Tara Singh. This research paper is imploring the need to re-understand and analyze the Azad Punjab Scheme which was once understood as the sole voice of the Sikh community.