LONDON: … The Times … analysed the controversy created in British India by the declaration of the Governments of Hyderabad and Travancore that they intend to assume independence when power is transferred from British to Indian hands. The newspaper maintained that each State or group of States must “retain in its own hands the decision to federate with one or other Dominion or to remain outside both while making provision for matters of common concern”.

The Times declared that there was no obligation “moral or otherwise” upon any State to enter either Constituent Assembly “unless it is convinced that such a course will be advantageous”. States like Hyderabad, Travancore “and maybe Bhopal”, the newspaper continued, “do not thereby debar themselves from future association with one or other Dominion or from close co-operation with either or both”.

The Times said the Congress Party … “strongly denies the right of the States to declare independence when Britain puts an end to the existing Paramountcy relationship between the Crown and the Ruling Princes”. The newspaper declared the Mr Jinnah, speaking for the Muslim League, on the other hand contended that no one can compel the States to do anything contrary to their own free will, that they are entitled remain independent if they so desire.

Published in Dawn, June 23rd, 2022