Which leader was against the idea of strengthening (autonomy) local government bodies?

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar did not support giving strong autonomy to local self-government institutions like Panchayats.

He believed that:

Local caste hierarchies could dominate village-level governance.

Strong central and state governments were necessary to protect the rights of weaker sections.

Therefore, he was against strengthening local governments with full autonomy.

Mahatma Gandhi strongly supported village autonomy and Panchayati Raj.

Vinoba Bhave also believed in decentralized village governance.

M. A. Ayyangar worked on parliamentary procedures, not specifically against local bodies.