Previous Year Question
Who was the Provisional President of the Constituent Assembly before Dr. Rajendra Prasad took over?
Correct Answer: D
Detailed Solution
The first meeting of the Constituent Assembly was held on 9 December 1946 at Constitution Hall, New Delhi.
Acharya J.B. Kripalani, on behalf of the Assembly, invited Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha to occupy the Chair as the temporary Chairman.
He was chosen because he was the senior-most member of the Assembly and one of India’s most experienced parliamentarians.
On 11 December 1946, Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha declared Dr. Rajendra Prasad duly elected as the permanent Chairman of the Constituent Assembly.
Therefore, the correct answer is Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha.
Clarity about the other options:
C. Rajagopalachari: He was the last Governor-General of independent India.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: He was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly.
T.T. Krishnamachari: He was a member of the Drafting Committee; he was not the Provisional President.