Understanding the Dilemma of Partition for Indian Muslims

At the time of India's partition in 1947, a separate state was established for Indians of the Muslim faith, yet many chose to stay. This raises the compelling question, 'Why didn’t all Muslims emigrate to Pakistan when a separate state was created for them?'

The Reasons for Staying Behind

Many Indian Muslims chose to remain in India due to their strong emotional and social ties to their homeland. Their houses, properties, and businesses were deeply rooted in the region. This attachment to their dwellings and assets made the transition to a new country difficult, and in some cases, impossible.

Political and Personal Influences

Leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi played a significant role in shaping the policies that influenced the decision of Indians to remain in India. Their personal beliefs and political strategies forced many to stay. Nehru himself was a Muslim in a Congress-led government and, despite his personal religious identity, had no interest in prompting Muslims to move to Pakistan. Additionally, he wanted to maintain the support of Muslim voters in India.

Dr. Ambedkar, a key figure in the constitution-making process, believed in a complete transfer of populations post-partition, ensuring that all Hindus moved from Pakistan to India and all Muslims moved to Pakistan. However, the Congress under Nehru and Gandhi, while respecting some of Ambedkar's views, did not implement a comprehensive plan. They opted to encourage Indian Muslims, especially those from areas like Uttar Pradesh, to stay in India and not migrate to Pakistan.

Efforts to Address Historical Grievances

Veher Savarkar, a leading figure in the Hindu Mahasabha, and his organization, fought against the partition of India. They believed in the principle of Akhand Bharat, a united India. After partition, the Hindu Mahasabha continued to oppose the creation of Pakistan and did not recognize it as a legitimate state. Savarkar foresaw potential issues regarding the future of Kashmir and proposed allowing Hindu refugees to settle in Kashmir, a suggestion that was unfortunately ignored.

Unfulfilled Aspirations

The partition had serious long-term consequences. Had issues like the 16-mile corridor— proposed to link East and West Pakistan via North India—been successfully implemented, the demographic and political landscape of the region would have changed significantly. This would have potentially altered the course of India's development, making it a happier and more prosperous nation than it is today.

Sadly, the vision of a united India, as proposed by Veher Savarkar, was never fully realized. The incomplete work left behind by individuals like Nathuram Godse, who assassinated Gandhi to prevent such an outcome, was one critical way the partition manifests in our historical narrative.