How were the discussions within the Constituent Assembly influenced by the opinions expressed by the people? Explain.

(a) The intense debates that took place within the Constituent assembly were reported in the newspapers and the proposals were publicly debated. Criticisms and counter criticisms in the press in turn shaped the nature of the consensus that was ultimately reached on specific issues.

(b) In order to create a sense of collective participation the public were asked for submissions. There were hundreds of responses, which give an idea about the conflicting interests that had to be reconciled.

(c) The All India Varnashrama Swarajya Sangh wanted the Constitution to be based on principles laid down in ancient Hindu books. The lower castes wanted reservations in legislatures and government bodies.

(e) Religious minorities asked for special safeguards. Various bodies like the Central Jewish Board of Bombay wanted adequate representation on all public bodies including the legislatures.