In the given question, a statement of Assertion is followed by a statement of Reason. Mark the correct answer.
Assertion: There was a lot of anger and resentment in Manipur after the merger agreement was signed by Maharaja in September 1949.
Reason: The Maharaja consulted the popularly elected Legislative Assembly of Manipur before signing the merger agreement.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
Manipur was a princely state with its own monarch, Maharaja Bodhchandra Singh, and a distinct political and administrative system.
It enjoyed a measure of autonomy under the British colonial rule.
Maharaja Bodhachandra Singh of Manipur signed the Instrument of Accession with the Indian government shortly before Independence.
The agreement ensured that Manipur would maintain its internal autonomy.
In response to public opinion, elections were held in Manipur in June 1948, establishing a constitutional monarchy.
Manipur became the first part of India to hold elections based on universal adult franchise.
The issue of the merger with India sparked sharp differences in the Legislative Assembly of Manipur.
While the state Congress supported the merger, other political parties opposed it.
The Government of India exerted pressure on the Maharaja to sign a Merger Agreement in September 1949 without consulting the popularly elected Legislative Assembly.
The unilateral decision of the merger caused anger and resentment among the people of Manipur which is felt till today.