Unionist Party (Punjab) facts for kids

The Unionist Party (Punjab) was an important political group in Punjab, British India. It started in 1923. Sir Fazli Husain, Sir Chotu Ram, and Sir Sikandar Hayat Khan created it. This party mainly looked after the interests of zamindars, who were big landowners and farmers in the countryside.

The Unionist Party was known for being fair to everyone. It wanted to bring together Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, and other groups in Punjab. They believed in a strong and united Punjab.

Winning Elections and New Alliances

Under the leadership of Sir Sikandar Hayat Khan, the party won the elections in 1936. They formed a government in 1937. This government worked with the Indian National Congress and the Sikh Akali Dal.

The Jinnah-Sikandar Pact

In October 1937, something big happened. The Muslim members of the Unionist Party were allowed to join the All-India Muslim League. This was agreed upon by Sir Sikandar and Mr. Muhammad Ali Jinnah at a meeting in Lucknow. This famous agreement was called the Jinnah-Sikandar Pact.

Who Started the Party?

Mian Fazl-i-Hussain and Chhotu Ram officially started the Punjab National Unionist Party in 1923. It grew from a group of rural members in the Punjab Legislative Council. These members were elected because they were important people. They were often big landowners and powerful politicians in Punjab.

Party's Main Goals

The main goal of their politics was to protect the interests of Punjab. They also wanted to support the British government in India. The group had 24 Muslim landowners and 6 Hindu Jats. Rao Bahadur Lal led the Hindu Jats. The party was open to everyone, no matter their background or religion. It was a mix of Muslim, Hindu, and Sikh landowners from rural Punjab.

Images for kids

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  Sir Sikander Hayat Khan