Powers of the state

Some of our leaders advocated a strong centre during the debate in the Constituent Assembly on the proposed federal structure of the Indian state. These views were as follows.

Jawaharlal Nehru's views on strong centre. He believed that it would be injurious to the interests of the country to provide for a weak central authority which would be incapable of ensuring peace, of coordinating vital matters of common concern and of speaking effectively for the whole country in the international sphere.

B.R Ambedkar's views on strong centre.

He declared that he wanted a strong and united Centre much stronger than the Centre that had been created under the Government of India Act. 1935. Reminding the members of the riots and violence that was ripping the nation apart, many members had repeatedly stated that the powers of the Centre had to be greatly strengthened to enable it to stop the communal frenzy.

 Balakrishna Sharma's views on strong centre. He favoured a strong centre because only a strong centre could plan for the well-being of the country. mobilize the available economic resources, establish a proper administration and defend the country against foreign aggression.