Question

Analyse the ideas put forward by Bal Krishan Sharma on federalism in the Constituent Assembly.

Answer 1

• Bal Krishna Sharma, representing the United Provinces, stressed the importance of having a strong Centre during the Constituent Assembly discussions.
• He believed that an effective central government was necessary for national planning, the proper use of economic resources, and the protection of the country from external dangers.
• Sharma argued that giving too much power to the provinces would weaken administration and make governance ineffective.
• He opposed wide provincial autonomy and supported centralisation, considering it vital for national unity and reconstruction during difficult times such as Partition and communal violence.