Lord Willingdon served as the Viceroy and Governor-General of India from 1931 to 1936. His tenure was marked by notable events such as the second Round Table Conference, the continuation of the Civil Disobedience Movement, and the formulation of the Government of India Act of 1935. Willingdon played a key role in persuading Congress to engage in these political processes. He successfully oversaw the implementation of the 1935 India Act, which was a significant contribution to British rule in India. However, his term ended just before the elections under the new Act took place.

Second Round Table Conference 1931

Background and Delegates

The Second Round Table Conference commenced on September 7, 1931, in England, gathering a diverse group of Indian delegates alongside British officials.

Mahatma Gandhi represented the Indian National Congress, while Sarojini Naidu was a representative for Indian women. The conference was attended by various Indian factions including loyalists, communalists, careerists, big landlords, and representatives of the princely states.

Key Issues and Gandhi’s Stance

Gandhi emphasized the necessity of a partnership between Britain and India as equals and pushed for the establishment of a responsible government at both the central and provincial levels immediately and in full.