Thread by @syedurahman

Bengal Pact 1923 was aimed at resolving the question of Hindu-Muslim differences. CR Das believed in the principle of sharing political power with the majority Muslim community of the province, came forward to take up the task of strengthening relations between Hindus and Muslims

Given the fractured Hindu Muslim relations in Bengal, Congress leaders like CR Das and Motilal Nehru started thinking in favour of entering the Legislative Council. Their object was to follow a policy of uniform and continuous obstruction from within the Council.

However, the annual session of the indian national congress 1922, rejected the proposal of Council entry. The Gaya session of the Congress was followed by the resignation of CR Das as the President of the organisation. He then formed Swarajya Party within the Congress.

In the election to the Bengal Legislative Council held in 1923, the Swarajya Party achieved remarkable success. It became the largest single party capturing 46 seats out of 139 in the Provincial Legislature. CR Das became its leader.

CR Das sought the active cooperation of the Muslim members of Legislative Council to make his political programme successful. He held discussions with prominent Muslim leaders of Bengal and early in December 1923 came to an agreement with them.

The terms of the Pact, commonly known as the Bengal Pact, were passed in the meeting of the Swarajist Party Councillors held on 16 December 1923. The Pact was also passed in the Bengal Congress Committee meeting held on 18 December 1923. Terms of the Pact included

a) Representation in the Bengal Legislative Council would be on population basis with separate electorates.
b) Representation in the local bodies would be on the proportion of 60 per cent to the majority community and 40 percent to the minority community.

c) Regarding Government appointments, it was decided that fifty five percent of the appointments should go to the Muslims. Till the above percentage was attained, 80 per cent of posts would go to the Muslims and the remaining 20 percent should go to the Hindus.

d) No resolution or enactment would be allowed to be moved without the consent of 75 percent of the elected members of the affected community.
e) Music in processions would not be allowed in front of the mosques.

f) No legislation in respect of cow killing for food would be taken up in the Council and endeavour should be made outside the Council to bring about an understanding between the two communities. Cow killing should be taken up in such a manner as not to wound religious feelings

Soon after its announcement, the Pact created a great outcry among Hindus and Muslims in Bengal. Its bold provisions offended middle class Bengali Hindus who opposed it stubbornly because they thought that the implementation of the Pact would diminish their power and influence