Which of the following leaders was not a member of the Indian Constituent Assembly that framed the Constitution of India?

Introduction / Context:
This question belongs to the topic of the framing of the Constitution of India and tests knowledge of key personalities involved in the Constituent Assembly. Many prominent leaders participated, but some well known figures were not members. Being able to distinguish between members and non members of the Constituent Assembly is a favourite area for objective questions in Indian polity.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The institution concerned is the Constituent Assembly of India, which drafted the Constitution.
• The options list four prominent leaders of the national movement.
• The question asks for the leader who was not a member of this body.

Concept / Approach:
The Constituent Assembly included many notable figures such as Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, K. M. Munshi and others. Acharya J. B. Kriplani also served as a member. Jayaprakash Narayan, although an important socialist leader and freedom fighter, was not a member of the Constituent Assembly. Therefore, identifying his name among the options allows us to answer correctly.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel played a crucial role in the Constituent Assembly and in integrating princely states. Step 2: Remember that K. M. Munshi was a member of the Drafting Committee and actively involved in constitutional debates. Step 3: Recognise that Acharya J. B. Kriplani was an important Congress leader and also part of the Assembly. Step 4: Recall that Jayaprakash Narayan, although a major socialist figure, did not serve as a Constituent Assembly member. Step 5: Therefore, choose Jayaprakash Narayan as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
A simple way to verify is to connect each name to their known roles in constitution making. Patel and Munshi are regularly mentioned in standard polity textbooks in the context of the Constituent Assembly and the Drafting Committee. Jayaprakash Narayan is usually discussed more in relation to socialist politics and mass movements, including the later Total Revolution movement, rather than as a constitution framer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A (Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel) is wrong because he was a key member of the Assembly and a major figure in nation building.
Option B (Acharya J. B. Kriplani) is incorrect as he was indeed a member and also a senior Congress leader at that time.
Option D (K. M. Munshi) is also incorrect because he served on the Drafting Committee and made significant contributions to the text of the Constitution.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes assume that any famous leader of the freedom struggle must have been part of the Constituent Assembly. This leads to confusion when questions ask about leaders who were not members. It is important to memorise at least a short list of non members like Jayaprakash Narayan and Mahatma Gandhi for exam purposes.

Final Answer:
Among the leaders listed, Jayaprakash Narayan was not a member of the Indian Constituent Assembly.