Young India
Explanation
The principle of Universal Adult Franchise was a significant demand during the Indian freedom struggle. It asserts that all adult citizens irrespective of wealth, income, gender, or social status have the right to vote. This concept laid the foundation for democratic elections in independent India.Historical Analysis:
- Young India (Correct): In 1931, Mahatma Gandhi advocated for Universal Adult Franchise in the journal Young India. He stated, "I cannot possibly bear the idea that a man who has got wealth should have the vote, but that a man who has got character but no wealth or literacy should have no vote." This was a direct critique of the limited franchise based on property and education prevalent under British rule.
- Harijan: This weekly journal was started by Mahatma Gandhi in 1933, primarily to address the issue of untouchability and social reform. It was established after the 1931 timeline mentioned in the question.
- Indian Opinion: This newspaper was founded by Gandhi in 1903 in South Africa. It was used to mobilize the Indian community against racial discrimination abroad and is not associated with the 1931 advocacy in India.
- Navajivan: This was a Gujarati weekly edited by Gandhi from 1919 to 1931. While it covered similar themes to Young India, the specific articulation regarding Universal Adult Franchise cited in constitutional history is attributed to his English writings in Young India.
Key Takeaway: Mahatma Gandhi championed Universal Adult Franchise in 1931 through Young India, rejecting the notion that voting rights should be restricted to the wealthy or educated.