Understanding Criticism of the Indian Constituent Assembly

The Constituent Assembly of India was formed to draft the Constitution of India. While it was a significant body representing various sections of Indian society, it faced criticism from different quarters.

One notable criticism questioned its legitimacy and perceived influence from the British. The question asks who specifically argued that the Assembly was "British made" and merely implementing "British plans."

Examining the Critic's Statement

The statement, "the Constituent Assembly was British made and was working the British plans as the British should like it to be worked out," is a strong critique suggesting a lack of true independence in the Assembly's functioning. This perspective often came from those who felt the transfer of power and the Constituent Assembly itself were outcomes heavily influenced by the British government's own interests and plans, rather than a purely sovereign exercise by the Indian people.

Analyzing the Options and Key Figures

• S.N. Roy (M.N. Roy): Manabendra Nath Roy, a radical humanist and communist revolutionary, was also critical of the political process but might not be the specific person associated with this exact quote in the Assembly debates.
• Somnath Lahiri: A prominent communist leader and a member of the Constituent Assembly from Bengal. During the debates, Somnath Lahiri voiced significant skepticism about the Assembly's independence and its ability to draft a truly sovereign constitution, arguing that it was a creation of the British and constrained by the Cabinet Mission Plan.
• K.M. Munshi: Kanaiyalal Maneklal Munshi was a lawyer, politician, and writer, and a key figure in the Indian independence movement. He was an active member of the Constituent Assembly and played a significant role in drafting the Constitution. His views were generally supportive of the Assembly's work.
• B.R. Ambedkar: Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly and is widely regarded as the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. While he faced challenges and criticisms related to specific aspects of the Constitution, he strongly defended the Assembly's work and sovereignty in principle.

Identifying the Specific Critic

Historical records of the Constituent Assembly debates confirm that Somnath Lahiri, representing the Communist Party viewpoint, made this specific criticism. He argued that the Assembly was functioning within the framework set by the British, thus limiting its sovereignty and the potential for radical change.

Conclusion on Constituent Assembly Criticism

Based on the records of the Constituent Assembly debates, the individual who explicitly argued that the Constituent Assembly was "British made" and followed "British plans" was Somnath Lahiri.

Revision Table: Constituent Assembly Critics

Additional Information: The Constituent Assembly of India

The Constituent Assembly was convened in December 1946 under the Cabinet Mission Plan. Its members were indirectly elected by the provincial assemblies. Key facts about the Assembly:

• It held its first session on December 9, 1946.
• Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha was the interim president, followed by Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
• It included members from various political parties, though the Indian National Congress held a dominant position.
• After the Partition of India, the Assembly was reconstituted, and its membership changed.
• It functioned as both a constitution-making body and a provisional parliament until the new Constitution came into effect.
• The Constitution was adopted on November 26, 1949, and came into force on January 26, 1950.

Despite criticisms regarding its composition (e.g., not directly elected, Congress dominance, representation issues) or its process (e.g., following the Cabinet Mission Plan framework), the Constituent Assembly successfully drafted a comprehensive constitution for independent India.