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Morley-Minto reforms 1909

 "The reforms of 1909 introduced a Cardinal problem and ground of controversy at every revision of Indian electoral system".
The reforms of 1909 are also known as the Morley-Minto reforms. The real purpose of the reforms was to divide the nationalist ranks and to check the growth of unity among Indians.

 The reforms introduced the system of separate electorate, under which all the Muslims were grouped in separate constituencies from which only Muslim candidates could be elected.

It was projected that it was done to protect the Muslim minority. But in reality, it was an attempt to divide the Hindus and Muslims and to strengthen British supremacy in India by checking the growth of national unity in India. It also led to demands from various other communities for separate electorate for them thus increasing division in the Indian body politic.

 The reforms set the stage for the adoption of parliamentary system in India. The numbers in the central legislators was fixed at 60, and a minimal right of questioning the budget was given. The act paved the way for communal electorates.

For the first time in India, religion now played an divisive role in the Indian politics. Communal politics emerged in India, which eventually led to the partition of India.

Thus the reforms of 1909 introduced a Cardinal problem and ground of controversy at every revision of Indian electoral system especially the problem of separate electorates. 

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