Why did the Congress Party oppose the Morley-Minto Reforms of 1906? [7]

[Limited Powers] Morley-Minto reforms granted limited political role to Indians. The number of members in the Imperial and Provincial Councils was increased, but the actual power still remained in the hands of the British. The councils could only give advice; decisions were in the hands of the British. Members of the Councils could not discuss certain subjects like foreign affairs and government relations with Princely States. They could not exercise any effective authority in administration. Thus how such kind of reforms could satisfy Indian masses who were having limited involvement in the governance of their own land.

[Separate Electorate] Muslims were granted reserved seats in the Imperial and Provincial Legislative Councils. Such concession was not given to any other minority community. INC believed that it would increase the communal divide and other factions would also demand for reserved seats. The communities would start struggling for individual interests creating antagonism between them. It was thus British strategy of “divide and rule” that will ultimately destroy the national feelings.

[Franchise] The franchise was very narrow and it was not uniform. The number of voters was very small because the property qualification was very high, and it was discriminatory differing from place to place, and women were not given the right to poll. Only loyal Indians from upper classes, who loved western education and culture, could reach the Legislative Councils. Furthermore there were indirect methods of election which were against the basic principles of democracy. Landlords and chamber of commerce were given undue importance who would elect members to Legislative Councils.

Racial discrimination was continued as usual as educated Indians were still not given high posts in the government services.