G.B. Pant traced what separate electorates would do to minorities. St…

The correct answer is Option (1) → They can never convert themselves into a majority

Option (1) They can never convert themselves into a majority — Correct. Pant argued that a group cut off for ever can never grow into a majority. This lasting minority position is what breeds the frustration in Step 3.

Option (2) They become a separate nation within the country — Incorrect. Patel said the agitation for separate electorates had made Muslims a separate nation. That was his point about Partition, outside Pant's chain.

Option (3) Their needs are no longer understood by the majority — Incorrect. This was Bahadur's argument for separate electorates. He felt non-Muslims could not understand the needs of Muslims.

Option (4) They lose the cultural rights assured to communities — Incorrect. Nationalists were ready to recognise communities as cultural entities and assure them cultural rights. Pant did not say separate electorates would take these away.