Assam CM Claims Nehru Opposed Ambedkar's Role in Constitution Drafting
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Synopsis
On January 27, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma claimed that Jawaharlal Nehru opposed Babasaheb Ambedkar’s involvement in the Constitution drafting committee, presenting significant challenges to his inclusion. Sarma emphasized the contrast between Nehru’s and Gandhi’s views on Ambedkar’s capabilities.
Key Takeaways
- Assam CM alleges Nehru resisted Ambedkar’s inclusion in Constitution drafting.
- Ambedkar initially excluded from the list of drafting members.
- Mahatma Gandhi supported Ambedkar’s role in the Constitution.
- Dibrugarh is set to become Assam's second capital.
- New infrastructure projects planned for Dibrugarh, Tezpur, and Silchar.
Guwahati, Jan 27 (NationPress) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma claimed on Monday that former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was opposed to the Constitution being drafted under the guidance of Babasaheb Ambedkar, and that including Ambedkar in the Constitution drafting committee was quite difficult.
The Chief Minister stated, “The effort to include Ambedkar in the Constitution drafting committee faced numerous challenges because Nehru did not want Ambedkar on board. Nehru preferred that the Constitution be drafted by someone from abroad.”
“Initially, Ambedkar was not listed among the 292 members tasked with drafting the Constitution of India. It was only after a Dalit leader from East Bengal suggested Ambedkar’s name that he was added to the Constitution drafting committee,” Sarma remarked, noting that Nehru sought to exclude Ambedkar by labeling him a “troublemaker.”
The Chief Minister further explained, “Nehru advocated for the appointment of international expert Sir Ivor Jennings as the chairman of the drafting committee. In contrast, Mahatma Gandhi had complete faith in the intellect and capabilities of B.R. Ambedkar. Today, our nation stands strong on the Constitution crafted by Ambedkar, which reflects Mahatma Gandhi’s trust.”
It’s worth mentioning that Sarma has been visiting Dibrugarh and aims to decentralize power, declaring that this upper Assam town will become the state’s second capital. A new Assembly complex will be constructed in Dibrugarh within the next two years.
He stated, “We are working on infrastructure development to transform three towns into cities - Dibrugarh, Tezpur, and Silchar. Dibrugarh will have an Assembly Complex by 2027 and will serve as Assam’s 2nd Capital.” Tezpur is set to receive a new Raj Bhawan, while Silchar will host a mini secretariat.
“Tezpur will evolve into the Cultural capital and will accommodate a Raj Bhawan, while Silchar will have a Mini Secretariat and the Chief Secretary's Office,” he added.
