During the Quit India Movement of 1942, who is credited with coining and popularising the powerful slogan “Quit India” (Bharat Chhodo)?

Introduction / Context:
This question is about a key slogan of India's freedom struggle. The Quit India Movement of 1942 was one of the most intense phases of mass civil disobedience against British rule. The slogan “Quit India” or “Bharat Chhodo” captured the mood of complete independence. While Mahatma Gandhi led the movement, the specific phrase was coined by another nationalist leader, and exams often test this detail.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The movement in question is the Quit India Movement of 1942.
• The slogan is “Quit India” (Bharat Chhodo).
• Options: Mahatma Gandhi, Yusuf Meher Ali, Jawaharlal Nehru, Aruna Asaf Ali.
• We assume standard attributions from freedom movement histories.

Concept / Approach:
Though Gandhi gave the historic “Do or Die” call at the All India Congress Committee session in Bombay in August 1942, the slogan “Quit India” itself is credited to socialist and nationalist leader Yusuf Meher Ali. He had earlier coined slogans like “Simon Go Back” as well. Gandhi and other leaders used this slogan widely, but the original coining is attributed to Yusuf Meher Ali, which is the fine distinction the question is probing.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that the slogan “Quit India” is linked to the August 1942 movement. Step 2: Recall that Gandhi is associated with the phrase “Do or Die” in his Quit India speech. Step 3: Remember that Yusuf Meher Ali, a younger socialist leader, coined “Quit India” and earlier “Simon Go Back.” Step 4: Compare this recollection with the options provided. Step 5: Select Yusuf Meher Ali as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Freedom struggle reference books and exam guides commonly list a short table of “slogans and their authors.” There you will usually find “Quit India – Yusuf Meher Ali,” “Do or Die – Mahatma Gandhi,” “Swaraj is my birthright – Bal Gangadhar Tilak” etc. Aruna Asaf Ali is remembered for hoisting the tricolour at the Gowalia Tank Maidan during Quit India, and Nehru for his broader leadership, but not for coining this exact slogan. This quick cross-reference confirms that Yusuf Meher Ali is correct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option a (Mahatma Gandhi) led the movement and gave the “Do or Die” call but is not credited with originating the words “Quit India.” Option c (Jawaharlal Nehru) was a top Congress leader but not the slogan's author. Option d (Aruna Asaf Ali) played a heroic role in hoisting the flag and inspiring the movement, yet she is not associated with coining the phrase “Quit India.” These leaders were crucial to the movement but not the source of this specific slogan.

Common Pitfalls:
Many students answer Gandhi by default because they associate any major slogan of the freedom struggle with him. Another pitfall is to forget the difference between a movement's leader and the person who coins a particular phrase. To avoid these errors, memorise a simple mapping: “Quit India – Yusuf Meher Ali,” “Do or Die – Gandhi,” and recall that slogans are often crafted by younger or lesser-known activists but popularised by top leaders.

Final Answer:
The slogan “Quit India” (Bharat Chhodo) was coined and popularised by Yusuf Meher Ali during the Quit India Movement.