Q1 · UPPSC Prelims 2021 · Set D · General Studies

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"Can you show me one free country where there are separate electorates?... The British element is gone, but they have left mischief behind". Who among the following said the above mentioned statement in the Constituent Assembly debates?

A Somnath Lahiri
B Jawaharlal Nehru
C Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel
D N. G. Ranga

Correct answer: (c) Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel

Explanation

  1. A

    Somnath Lahiri

    Somnath Lahiri was a Communist member of the Constituent Assembly known for critiquing British-drafted procedures. However, he did not make this specific remark regarding separate electorates and the mischief left behind by the British.

  2. B

    Jawaharlal Nehru

    Jawaharlal Nehru moved the historic Objectives Resolution and delivered iconic speeches in the Constituent Assembly. This particular observation on separate electorates and lingering colonial mischief does not belong to him.

  3. C

    Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel

    is (c) Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel. Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel made this forceful statement during the Constituent Assembly debates while strongly opposing the continuation of separate electorates. He argued that separate electorates were a poisonous legacy left by the British designed to divide the nation permanently. His viewpoint ultimately shaped the assembly's firm resolve to abolish communal electorates in independent India.

  4. D

    N. G. Ranga

    N. G. Ranga represented the peasant and agricultural interests in the Constituent Assembly and frequently spoke on socio-economic rights. He was not the speaker who warned about separate electorates as mischief left behind by the British.

Summary. Official key is (c) Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel. The question tests familiarity with prominent statements made during the Constituent Assembly debates regarding communal representation. Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel fiercely advocated against separate electorates, viewing them as a dangerous colonial apparatus. While other leaders like Nehru and Lahiri were active participants, this specific quote is attributed to Patel. Candidates must carefully attribute key Constituent Assembly quotes to their correct authors.