The President of the Constituent Assembly was

Concept

In a constitution-making body, the presiding officer is distinct from the leaders who move resolutions or chair specialist committees.

The presiding officer conducts sittings, maintains order and guides the body through deliberation and adoption of its constitutional work.

Application

On 11 December 1946, the Constituent Assembly elected Rajendra Prasad as its permanent President. This office was different from the temporary chair at the opening sitting and from the chairs of its specialist committees.

Contrast

• Jawaharlal Nehru moved the Objectives Resolution, which set out the guiding ideals for the Constitution.

• B. R. Ambedkar chaired the Drafting Committee, which prepared and revised the constitutional draft.

• Rajendra Prasad presided over the Constituent Assembly and later became the first President of the Republic of India.

• Vallabhbhai Patel chaired the Advisory Committee on Fundamental Rights, Minorities and Tribal and Excluded Areas.

Cross-check

The Assembly records distinguish its permanent President from both the temporary chairman and the committee chairmen. Therefore, the required name is Rajendra Prasad.

Result: Rajendra Prasad.