ABSTRACT
In the Punjab, the Unionist Party had introduced the tradition of working through the parliamentary party in support of the Hindu and Muslim farmer against the mahajan and the capitalist. Provincial autonomy in the Muslim majority provinces began as we have described but in the Hindu majority provinces the election results showed a great change in Indian politics. In the United Provinces, the Congress and the Muslim League had contested the election with an informal and tacit understanding for cooperation. The idea of forging a strong front against the Congress with the help of the Muslim League looked like a divine act to help Sikandar Hayat Khan in this world. Opposition to the Congress was important for his ministry and it was, to him, the right thing to do to further Muslim interests in the country. Many Muslims throughout the country gave a warm welcome to the pact.
