Who among the following criticized the idea that a poor, honest worker should be denied the right to vote?

Correct Option

The correct option is

Mahatma Gandhi

Explanation

During debates on democracy and suffrage in India, leading national thinkers emphasized moral equality and rejected economic or social qualifications as grounds for denying political rights.

Statement-wise Analysis

• The Viceroy of India: Incorrect. Colonial authorities generally supported restricted franchise based on property or education.
• Mahatma Gandhi: Correct. He strongly opposed the idea that poverty or lack of education should disqualify citizens from voting.
• The Suffragettes: Incorrect. Their movement focused on women’s voting rights in Britain, not Indian franchise debates.
• The Monarch: Incorrect. Monarchical authority was not associated with advocacy of universal voting rights.

Key Takeaway: Mahatma Gandhi upheld moral and political equality, rejecting economic status as a basis for denying voting rights.