DRAFT CONSTITUTION 471
is either the Prime Minister or the Ministers of State and such a provision ought to have been imposed upon them during their tenure and not on the President.
The third question that arises—I think it is a very concrete question—is this. Supposing we laid down any such condition ; is it possible in the circumstances in which we are living, to obtain any candidate who would offer himself for the Presidentship and subject himself to the conditions which have been laid down by Professor Shah ? I doubt very much whether even Professor Shah would offer himself to be President of the Indian Union if these conditions are laid down.
Prof. K. T. Shah : It is not my custom to interrupt speakers at all. But may I give him this categoric assurance that as far I myself am concerned, he can rest assured that there will be complete fulfilment of these conditions. (Laughter).
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I am glad. But this country could not carry on under the assumption that Professor Shah would be the only candidate who would offer himself for Presidentship. (Laughter) Safety lies in multiplicity of candidates. Therefore we have to consider whether, from a practical point of view, we should have a sufficient number of candidates offering themselves for this particular post. And I have not the least doubt about it that, notwithstanding the very virtuous character of this amendment we should practically be suspending this particular provision from the Constitution if we accept this amendment.
For these reasons I do not accept any of the amendments.
Shri H. V. Kamath : Is Dr. Ambedkar opposed even to the disclosure of the candidate’s interest or share ? Is he opposed even to a declaration like that ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : But that is not the amendment.
Shri H. V. Kamat: That is part of the amendment.
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: But that is not the amendment.
Mr. Vice-President: I will now put the amendments to vote one by one.
[Following two amendments were adopted ; three amendments were negatived.]