On which central feature of the Constitution was there substantial ag…

On which central feature of the Constitution was there substantial agreement in the Constituent Assembly?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 2

The correct answer is Option (2) → The granting of the vote to every adult Indian

Option (1) Separate electorates for religious minorities — Incorrect. Separate electorates were hotly debated. Most members opposed them as a danger to national unity, so there was no agreement on them.

Option (2) The granting of the vote to every adult Indian — Correct. There was substantial agreement on the vote for every adult Indian. This was an unprecedented act of faith, since other democracies gave the vote slowly, in stages.

Option (3) Hindi as the national language of India — Incorrect. The language of the nation was one of the most bitter debates. Members from the south feared the domination of Hindi.

Option (4) Greater powers for the provinces than for the Centre — Incorrect. The powers of the provinces were argued over. Members such as K. Santhanam spoke for the provinces.

NCERT (2026-27): “5.2 The fear of domination …
However, on one central feature of the Constitution there was substantial agreement. This was on the granting of the vote to every adult Indian. This was an unprecedented act of faith, for in other democracies the vote had been granted slowly, and in stages. In countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom, only men of property were first granted the vote; then, men with education were also allowed into the charmed circle. After a long and bitter struggle, men of working-class or peasant background were also given the right to vote. An even longer struggle was required to grant this right to women.”