Question

Which of the following statements about the first Lok Sabha elections is/are correct?

1. The first Lok Sabha elections were held from 1951 to 1952.

2. The state of Himachal Pradesh (Chini Taluk) had elections during the first Lok Sabha polls.

3. Shyam Sharan Negi was the first person to vote in the Lok Sabha elections.

4. The total seats contested in the first Lok Sabha were 545.

• A. 1, 2 and 3 only
• B. 1 and 4 only
• C. 2, 3 and 4 only
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

Answer:

A. 1, 2 and 3 only

First Lok Sabha Elections:

• Timeline: The first Lok Sabha elections in India were conducted over a period, spanning from October 25, 1951, to February 21, 1952. This phased approach was due to logistical challenges and varying weather conditions across the vast country.

• Himachal Pradesh's Participation: Elections were indeed held in the then Chini Taluk (now Kinnaur district) of Himachal Pradesh. However, due to heavy snowfall, the polling in this specific constituency was completed earlier, on April 5, 1952, making it the first to conclude.

• First Voter: Shyam Sharan Negi, a school teacher from Chini Taluk (Kinnaur), Himachal Pradesh, holds the distinction of being the first person to cast his vote in the independent India's Lok Sabha elections. He voted on October 23, 1951, two days before the official commencement of the general polls.

• Contested Seats: The first Lok Sabha elections were held for 489 seats. The figure of 545 is relevant for the current Lok Sabha, which has a maximum strength of 552 elected members (530 from states, 20 from Union Territories, and a maximum of 2 Anglo-Indian members nominated by the President, though this nomination provision has been recently abolished).

• Electoral System: The elections were conducted using the First Past the Post (FPTP) system.

• Voter Turnout: The voter turnout for the first Lok Sabha elections was approximately 61.16%.

• Dominant Party: The Indian National Congress, led by Jawaharlal Nehru, emerged as the clear winner, securing a massive majority.