Image: Gandhi at the Second Round Table Conference, 1931. Wikimedia Commons, public domain.
In September 1931, Gandhi travelled to London for the Second Round Table Conference. He attended as the sole representative of the Indian National Congress.
Why Gandhi went to London
The Gandhi-Irwin Pact had created a temporary political opening. Gandhi agreed to participate in constitutional discussions in London after the suspension of civil disobedience.
The conference
The conference brought together representatives of British political interests, Indian political groups and princely states. The discussions focused on constitutional arrangements and the future structure of government in India.
Gandhi’s position
Gandhi argued that Congress represented a broad section of Indian political opinion. He also emphasised independence, political representation and Hindu-Muslim unity.
Why agreement proved difficult
The conference involved competing demands over representation, minorities, provinces and the relationship between different political communities. Gandhi’s position did not resolve these disagreements.
Return to India
The Gandhi Heritage Portal records Gandhi’s presence in London from September 1931 and his subsequent return to India. The civil-disobedience conflict later resumed.
Historical significance
The London episode shows that Gandhi’s political strategy included both mass mobilisation in India and participation in constitutional negotiations with British officials.
Read the Gandhi Heritage Portal chronology and our Gandhi-Irwin Pact explainer.
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