V
V.Balasubramani
Guest
We salute Sardar Patel on his death anniversary and remember his contribution of this ‘Iron Man’ in building our nation.
Remembering Sardar Patel’s Vision, Legacy on His Death Anniversary
Vallabhbhai Patel had a visionary formula for India’s Constitution. He wished to create a true federation of states, with autonomous state governments and a strong Centre. At first, his unique proposal was passed in India’s Constituent Assembly. But later, in a strange reversal, our constitution-making body discarded the whole idea.
Had Patel’s plan not been rejected, India would now be a US-type federation, with a similar polity.
Our state governments would be less dependent on central control, and have directly elected governors. India would be a participatory democracy, with decentralised governments that are more accountable to the people. And our political parties would be more centrist in their agendas.
Patel was asked by the Constituent Assembly to design India’s provincial governments. As soon as his Provincial Constitution Committee began work, it struggled with a basic question: Should India be a federation or a unitary state?
It was June 1947 and Patel was in the thick of things, with respect to unifying the princely states into Independent India. He understood that state governments require independence and local accountability. But he also realised that the nation’s unity and integrity demand a strong Centre. Unable to reach a conclusion, Patel called for consultation with Nehru’s Committee, which was tasked to devise the structure of the union.
Read more at: https://www.thequint.com/voices/blogs/blog-sardar-vallabhbhai-patel-legacy-death-anniversary
Remembering Sardar Patel’s Vision, Legacy on His Death Anniversary
Vallabhbhai Patel had a visionary formula for India’s Constitution. He wished to create a true federation of states, with autonomous state governments and a strong Centre. At first, his unique proposal was passed in India’s Constituent Assembly. But later, in a strange reversal, our constitution-making body discarded the whole idea.
Had Patel’s plan not been rejected, India would now be a US-type federation, with a similar polity.
Our state governments would be less dependent on central control, and have directly elected governors. India would be a participatory democracy, with decentralised governments that are more accountable to the people. And our political parties would be more centrist in their agendas.
Patel was asked by the Constituent Assembly to design India’s provincial governments. As soon as his Provincial Constitution Committee began work, it struggled with a basic question: Should India be a federation or a unitary state?
It was June 1947 and Patel was in the thick of things, with respect to unifying the princely states into Independent India. He understood that state governments require independence and local accountability. But he also realised that the nation’s unity and integrity demand a strong Centre. Unable to reach a conclusion, Patel called for consultation with Nehru’s Committee, which was tasked to devise the structure of the union.
Read more at: https://www.thequint.com/voices/blogs/blog-sardar-vallabhbhai-patel-legacy-death-anniversary
