Correct option is D
The correct answer is option (d): Winston Churchill
Explanation:
The Cripps Mission was sent to India in March 1942 during World War II to secure Indian cooperation in the war effort.
The mission was led by Sir Stafford Cripps, a member of the British War Cabinet.
At the time, Britain was under immense pressure during World War II, particularly after the fall of Singapore to Japan in 1942. There were fears of a Japanese invasion of India.
The British government wanted India's support to strengthen its war efforts.
Incorrect Options:
Clement Attlee: Became Prime Minister in 1945, after World War II, and played a key role in granting India independence.
Stanley Baldwin: Served as Prime Minister before Churchill (1935–1937) but had no role in the Cripps Mission.
Ramsay MacDonald: Prime Minister in the 1930s, known for the Communal Award, but he was not in office during the Cripps Mission.
Information Booster:
Objective of the Cripps Mission:
To negotiate with Indian leaders and offer Dominion status to India after the war.
To set up an Indian Constituent Assembly to frame the country’s constitution.
To propose that provinces could opt out of the Indian Union if they wished.
Outcome:
The mission failed as its proposals were rejected by the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League:
Congress opposed the idea of allowing provinces to secede.
Muslim League demanded a separate state (Pakistan).
This led to further political turmoil and eventually to the Quit India Movement in August 1942.