Question

Consider the following statements about the first Lok Sabha elections of India (1951-52):

1. The elections were held from October 1951 to February 1952.

2. Himachal Pradesh was the first state to hold Lok Sabha elections.

3. The first person to cast a vote was Shyam Sharan Negi.

4. The Indian National Congress won more than 350 seats.

Which of the statements are correct?

• A. 1, 2 and 3 only
• B. 2, 3 and 4 only
• C. 1 and 4 only
• D. All are correct

Answer 1

Answer:

A. 1, 2 and 3 only

First Lok Sabha Elections (1951-52)

• Timeline: The inaugural Lok Sabha elections in India were conducted in multiple phases, commencing in October 1951 and concluding in February 1952. This extended duration was necessary due to the vastness of the country and logistical challenges.
• First State to Vote: Himachal Pradesh holds the distinction of being the first state where polling for the Lok Sabha elections took place. This was primarily due to its challenging terrain and weather conditions, necessitating early polling.
• First Voter: Shyam Sharan Negi, a school teacher from Kinnaur district in Himachal Pradesh, is credited as the first Indian citizen to cast his vote in the first Lok Sabha elections. He cast his vote on October 25, 1951.
• Election Process: These elections were a monumental undertaking, involving approximately 173 million eligible voters and over 4500 candidates competing for 489 seats.
• Electoral System: The elections were held using the first-past-the-post system.
• Ballot Papers: Due to the low literacy rate at the time, separate ballot boxes were provided for each candidate, marked with their party symbol. Voters would place their ballot paper into the box of their chosen candidate.
• Role of Election Commission: The Election Commission of India, established in 1950, played a crucial role in organizing and overseeing these historic elections, ensuring their fairness and transparency.
• INC's Dominance: The Indian National Congress (INC), led by Jawaharlal Nehru, secured a landslide victory, winning 364 out of 489 seats. This underscored the party's dominant position in post-independence India.