Statement–Assumption (Recognising Realities vs. Artificial Policies): Statement: “A statesman dealing with public affairs cannot ignore realities; non-recognition of realities leads to artificial policies and programmes.” — J. L. Nehru Assumptions: I) Artificial policies and programmes do not genuinely advantage the people. II) Those at the helm generally ignore realities and prefer populist measures.

Introduction / Context:
Nehru’s statement is advisory: leaders must face realities; otherwise policy becomes “artificial.” To identify the implicit assumption, we ask what belief is indispensable for this warning to carry force.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Premise: Ignoring realities → artificial policies/programmes.
• Implied evaluation: “Artificial” is undesirable for public welfare.

Concept / Approach:
Assumptions are necessary background truths. The counsel presupposes that “artificial” policies are bad/ineffective for the people; otherwise, ignoring realities might still be fine, which contradicts the admonition. By contrast, a broad sociological claim that most leaders ignore realities or prefer populism is not required; the advice can be issued as a general principle even if many leaders are already reality-oriented.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Assumption I: Necessary. If artificial policies could advantage people, then “do not ignore realities” would lack bite; the warning depends on artificiality being harmful/ineffective.Assumption II: Not necessary. The statement remains meaningful as guidance irrespective of how common reality-ignorance is; prevalence is not presupposed.

Verification / Alternative check:
Negate I (artificial policies work well) → admonition collapses. Negate II (leaders generally do recognise realities) → the guidance still stands as a norm.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“Only II” ties the argument to an unneeded empirical generalisation. “Either/Neither” ignore that the evaluative premise about artificiality is the engine of the advice.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing a universal prescription with a claim about actual behaviour patterns; necessity concerns the logic of the advice, not its frequency of violation.

Final Answer:
Only assumption I is implicit.