During a class discussion on the making of the Constitution, Meera reads out notes on a speech made in the Constituent Assembly in its first winter of work. The speaker urged the members, and Indians in general, to free themselves fully from the influences of imperial rule. He reminded them that the foreign rulers had not yet left the country. He added that the interim administration in Delhi could act only under the directions of the Viceroy and of the government in London. Meera's teacher asks the class to identify the speaker and the charge he laid against the Assembly itself.
What charge did this speaker lay against the Constituent Assembly itself?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → It was British-made and was working out plans as the British wished
Option (1) It was British-made and was working out plans as the British wished — Correct. Lahiri told his colleagues that the Assembly was <strong>British-made</strong> and was <strong>working the British plans</strong> the way the British wanted. So, to him, it was not yet a free body.
Option (2) It should take the American and French constitutions as its fixed model — Incorrect. Lahiri did not ask for any foreign model. It was Nehru who recalled the American and French Revolutions, and even he said India would not just copy them.
Option (3) It should first settle the claims of different communities and then face the rulers — Incorrect. Lahiri said the reverse. He wanted Indians to fight British imperialism together first and resolve their claims afterwards, once free.
Option (4) It should be dissolved and replaced by a body elected by adult franchise — Incorrect. Lahiri did not ask for the Assembly to be dissolved. He asked it to declare independence and call on the people to fight British rule.
NCERT (2026-27): “2.1 The will of the people |