Consider the following assertion :
The genesis of political alliances based on community lay in the very nature of the Montague-Chelmsford Reforms, 1919.

Which of the following statements support/supports the above assertion ?
1. Reforms retained and extended the principle of separate electorates.
2. Separate electorates were supposed to counter Indian nationalism, which was growing stronger.
3. Deprived classes rallied around the favours inherent in separate electorates.

Select the answer using the code given below :

Correct Option: (d) 1, 2 and 3

The correct option is (d) 1, 2 and 3. All statements explain the assertion. The Montague-Chelmsford Reforms (1919) institutionalized and extended communal separate electorates (originally introduced in 1909), which formed the basis for community-based political alliances. This policy of divide and rule deliberately aimed to counter the rising tide of Indian nationalism by fragmenting the national movement along religious and caste lines. Consequently, various groups including depressed classes began to organize politically around the perceived benefits of separate electorates.