Ch.30: Constituent assembly - I

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New Delhi, Bharat, October 20, 1942

A young man with handsome features and a perfect athletic body stood before the mirror, adjusting his traditional attire. This young man was none other than Aryan, the first President of Bharat. The crisp white kurta and dhoti, adorned with a simple yet elegant shawl, reflected his commitment to the values and traditions of Bharat. The room was filled with the soft morning light, casting a serene glow on the surroundings. The fragrance of marigold and rose petals, arranged meticulously by his attendants, added a touch of festivity to the air.

Today was a momentous day—the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly of Bharat. Aryan felt a mix of anticipation and solemn responsibility. The journey from Shambhala had been transformative, and the wisdom imparted by the Saptarishis resonated deeply within him. He knew that the task ahead was monumental, but he was ready to face it with unwavering resolve.

As he stepped out of his quarters, Aryan was greeted by a group of young volunteers, their faces beaming with enthusiasm. They were dressed in simple khadi attire, symbolizing the spirit of self-reliance and unity. Aryan acknowledged them with a warm smile and a nod, feeling a surge of pride in the collective spirit of his people.

Upon reaching the assembly hall, Aryan was greeted by his fellow members, each one a representative of the diverse fabric of Bharat. The hall itself was a blend of modern architecture and traditional elements, symbolizing the fusion of the old and the new. The walls were adorned with portraits of great leaders and freedom fighters, their eyes seemingly watching over the proceedings with a sense of pride and hope.

Aryan took his seat at the front, his heart pounding with a mix of excitement and responsibility. The room gradually filled with the murmurs of conversation and the rustling of papers. As the clock struck ten, a hush fell over the assembly. The chairman Birbal Singh, an elderly statesman with a dignified presence, rose to address the gathering.

"Esteemed members of the Constituent Assembly, today marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of our great nation. We are here to lay the foundation of a free and democratic Bharat, a land where every citizen is treated with dignity and respect," he began, his voice resonating with conviction.

When it was Aryan's turn to speak, he rose with a sense of purpose. The room fell silent, and all eyes turned towards him. Taking a deep breath, he began, "Honorable members, today we stand at the threshold of a new dawn. Our journey has been long and arduous, but it has also been filled with moments of great courage and resilience. As we embark on this sacred task of nation-building, let us remember the sacrifices of our ancestors and the dreams of our future generations."

His words flowed with a blend of passion and humility, resonating with the hearts of those present. He spoke of the need for inclusivity, the importance of education, and the vision of a prosperous and harmonious Bharat. As he concluded his speech, the assembly erupted in applause, a testament to the shared vision and collective resolve of the members.

As the applause subsided, the chairman, Birbal Singh, resumed his place at the podium. His eyes scanned the room, filled with anticipation and determination. With a dignified and serious expression he began the proceedings of the assembly. "The first objective of our meeting today," he announced, "is to decide the mode of governance for our newly independent Bharat. We must choose between a Prime Ministerial or Presidential form of government."

A murmur of agreement rippled through the assembly. Aryan felt the weight of the moment. This decision would shape the future of Bharat, determining how power would be distributed and exercised.

Birbal Singh continued, "We have before us two distinct paths. The Prime Ministerial system, where the head of government is drawn from the majority party in the legislature, offers a close relationship between the executive and legislative branches. It promotes collective responsibility and ensures that the government remains accountable to the elected representatives of the people."

He paused, allowing the members to absorb his words. "On the other hand, the Presidential system provides a clear separation of powers. The President, elected independently of the legislature, serves as both the head of state and government. This system can offer stability and a strong, singular leadership, but it also requires robust checks and balances to prevent the concentration of power."

Aryan listened intently, weighing the merits of each system. He knew that both had their strengths and potential pitfalls. The room was filled with thoughtful expressions as members considered the implications of their choice.

Sensing the right moment, Aryan decided to lay out his thoughts first. With a determined expression, he said, "Honorable members, I believe that the Presidential system of government, with proper checks and balances, is the best method for our nation. A President directly elected by the entire population will form a unified and stable government, free from the political games of multiple parties in the Prime Ministerial system. This will prevent the exploitation of religious, caste, or linguistic identities, which can be detrimental to the unity in diversity principle of our Bharat."

Jawaharlal Nehru, the leader of Indian National Congress with an equally sincere and determined expression countered, "Aryan, you are right about the advantages of the Presidential form of government but I believe that it enables the concentration of power in a single position which can be mishandled in the hands of wrong person."

Mahatma Gandhi supported the opinion of Nehru by speaking in a calm voice, "I believe that Nehru is right, also we have to consider that Bharat with its vast diverse population will not be able to be properly represented by only two parties. Multiple parties are necessary for the representation of the people."

Sardar Patel then stood up and with a serious expression added his own thoughts, "Bapu, you are right about multiple parties needed to be present for the proper representation of the people. However, what Aryan said about the need of unified and decisive government is necessary for Bharat. I propose that we adopt a system similar to France, while adapting it to our ideas of proper checks and balances as well as having multiple party representation."

Aryan then spoke, "Yes, by adapting the government system of France to include more regional representation and much better checks and balances we will ensure the formation of a unified, stable and decisive government."

"Also we need to ensure that no political party uses religion, caste and linguistic identities of people for their own benefits. Therefore, I propose that proper measures should be in place to prevent these scenarios."

The heated debate continued, with members passionately voicing their opinions. Some echoed Nehru and Gandhi's concerns about the potential concentration of power in a Presidential system, while others emphasized the need for a strong, unified leadership as Aryan and Patel had proposed.

Rajendra Prasad, a respected leader, stood up and with a resolute expression said, "We must ensure that our governance system reflects the diversity of Bharat. A balance between strong leadership and representation is crucial."

Sarojini Naidu, also a prominent leader, with her eloquent voice, added, "The essence of our freedom struggle was inclusivity. We must not lose sight of that in our quest for stability."

Whereas, B.R. Ambedkar, known for his sharp intellect, argued, "We need a system that not only unifies but also protects the rights of minorities. Proper checks and balances are non-negotiable."

As the discussions grew more intense, Aryan listened carefully, acknowledging the valid points raised by his colleagues. He knew that a consensus was essential for the unity and progress of Bharat.

Finally, after hours of deliberation, a consensus began to form. The assembly agreed to adopt a modified Presidential system, inspired by the French model, but with significant adaptations to ensure regional representation and robust checks and balances.

At the end of discussion, Birbal Singh announced the decision, "Honorable members, we have reached a consensus. We will adopt a Presidential system with the necessary safeguards to prevent the concentration of power and ensure the representation of all communities. This system will be tailored to our unique needs and values."

The room filled with a sense of accomplishment and unity. Aryan felt a deep sense of gratitude and responsibility. The foundation for a new Bharat was being laid, one that honored its diversity while striving for unity and progress.

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