Vallabhbhai Patel
Explanation
The Interim Government of India was formed on September 2, 1946, to oversee the transition of power from British rule to an independent India. The allocation of portfolios in this government set the administrative foundation for the independent nation.
Detailed Analysis:
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: He served as the Minister of Home, Information and Broadcasting in the Interim Government. Furthermore, he headed the newly created States Department (established in July 1947), where he played a pivotal role in the diplomatic and political integration of over 560 princely states into the Indian Union.
- Jawaharlal Nehru: He held the position of Vice-President of the Executive Council and was in charge of External Affairs and Commonwealth Relations.
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad: He was assigned the portfolio of Food and Agriculture in the Interim Government.
- Abul Kalam Azad: He did not hold a portfolio in the initial Interim Government formed in 1946 (Education was initially held by C. Rajagopalachari). Maulana Azad later became the Minister of Education in the first Cabinet of independent India.
Key Takeaway:
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel held the Home and Information & Broadcasting portfolios in the Interim Government and is historically credited as the "Iron Man of India" for integrating the princely states.