The correct option is Jawaharlal Nehru.
Explanation
The Interim Government of India was formed on September 2, 1946, to oversee the transition of the country from British rule to independence. It was constituted based on the proposals of the Cabinet Mission Plan.
Detailed Analysis:
- Structure of the Government: The Interim Government functioned as the Viceroy's Executive Council. Technically, the Viceroy (Lord Wavell at the time of formation) continued to be the President of the Executive Council.
- Role of Jawaharlal Nehru: Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was appointed as the Vice-President of the Executive Council. However, in practice, he functioned as the de facto Prime Minister and head of the government, leading the cabinet of Indian ministers. He also held the portfolios of External Affairs and Commonwealth Relations.
- Other Options:
- Lord Mountbatten: He succeeded Lord Wavell as Viceroy in March 1947, months after the Interim Government was formed.
- Sardar Patel: He was a key member of the Interim Government, holding the portfolios of Home, Information, and Broadcasting, but he did not head the council.
- C. Rajagopalachari: He was a member of the Interim Government (holding the Education portfolio initially) but was not its head.
Key Takeaway:
While the Viceroy was the ceremonial President of the Executive Council, Jawaharlal Nehru, as the Vice-President, served as the effective political head of the Interim Government formed in 1946.