<P> The move created considerable excitement at the time, and attracted many members of the Indian National Congress and the All India Muslim League, who had been allied since the 1916 Lucknow Pact . The leaders of the League gave fiery speeches, and petitions with hundreds of thousands of Indians as signatories were submitted to British authorities . Unification of moderates and radicals as well as unity between Muslim League and Indian National Congress was a remarkable achievement of Annie Besant . </P> <P> The government arrested Annie Besant in 1917 and this led to nationwide protests . The movement actually spread out and made its impact in the interior villages of India . Many moderate leaders like Muhammad Ali Jinnah joined the movement . The League spread political awareness in new areas like Sindh, Punjab, Gujarat, United Provinces, Central provinces, Bihar, Orissa and Madras, which all sought an active political movement . </P> <P> The pressure of the movement, especially after Annie Besant's arrest, led to the Montague's declaration on 20 August 1917 which stated that "progressive realization of responsible government in India" was the policy of the British government . </P> <P> During this time various meetings were held in Nellore, Kurnool, Bellary, Cuddapah, Kakinada, Rajahmundry and Vizagapatnam . In Kurnool a prominent leader, Raja Sir P.V. Madhava Rao of Panyam has supported the home rule league . The speech given by him in a meeting held in kurnool is highlighted here in which he thrashed the British Government saying the (bulk of) bureaucracy has failed to understand the needs of the people and the requirements of time . Later after the completion of meeting's in Madras Presidency many prominent leaders gave support to the league under the leadership of Annie Besant . </P>

Short note on home rule league in hindi