Question

Which of the following statements are correct regarding the first Lok Sabha elections in India?

1. The first Lok Sabha elections were held from October 25, 1951, to February 21, 1952.

2. The first person to vote in these elections was Shyam Sharan Negi from Himachal Pradesh.

3. The Indian National Congress won 489 seats in the first Lok Sabha elections.

• A. 1 and 2 only
• B. 2 and 3 only
• C. 1 and 3 only
• D. 1, 2, and 3

Answer 1

Answer:

A. 1 and 2 only

First Lok Sabha Elections in India

• Timeline: The inaugural Lok Sabha elections, marking India's first general election after independence, were conducted over several months, commencing on October 25, 1951, and concluding on February 21, 1952.
• First Voter: In a significant moment for Indian democracy, Shyam Sharan Negi, a school teacher from Chini village (now Kalpa) in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, holds the distinction of being the first person to cast his vote in these historic elections.
• Electoral System: The elections were held using the first-past-the-post system for all constituencies.
• Constituency Details: There were 489 constituencies in total for the first Lok Sabha. Of these, 364 were single-member constituencies, and 125 were double-member constituencies.
• Political Landscape: The elections saw the Indian National Congress emerge as the dominant party, securing a significant majority. However, the statement mentioning they won 489 seats is incorrect; they won 364 seats out of the 489 contested.
• Significance: These elections were crucial in establishing the parliamentary democratic framework of the newly independent nation and laid the foundation for future electoral processes.
• Voter Turnout: Approximately 173 million eligible voters participated in the elections.
• Challenges: Conducting such a massive election involved overcoming logistical challenges, including vast geographical areas, diverse terrains, and ensuring fair polling practices across the country.