What was a significant challenge India faced immediately after gaining independence in terms of governance?

Establishing a stable democratic system amidst the backdrop of diverse socio-economic conditions and a largely illiterate population.

Fill in the blanks: India's Constitution was adopted on ___ and came into effect on ___.

26 November 1949; 26 January 1950

True or False: The first general election in India was held in 1950.

False. The first general election was held in 1952.

What was the main task of the Election Commission in organizing the first general elections in India?

Delimiting constituencies, compiling voter rolls, and ensuring proper inclusion of women in the electoral process.

Riddle: I am a landmark in Indian democracy, showcasing the power of universal adult franchise among a diverse population. What am I?

The first general election of 1952.

What did observers both within and outside India say about the first general elections?

They lauded the election as a testament to the viability of democracy in diverse socio-economic conditions.

Multiple Choice: Which of the following statements is true about India's first general election in 1952? A) It was a failure due to low voter turnout. B) It demonstrated the success of universal adult franchise. C) It was held in 1950. D) It required no postponements.

B) It demonstrated the success of universal adult franchise.

What was the traditional voting method used during the first general election?

Voters received a blank ballot paper and deposited it into individual boxes for each candidate, which were labeled with the candidates' symbols and names.

The transition to a simpler voting method involved stamping a ballot paper that included ___ and ___.

Candidate names and symbols

True or False: The system of using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) was fully adopted by 2004.

True

Approximately how many steel boxes were used during the first general election?

20 lakh steel boxes

Riddle: I am a machine that helps you vote, making the process easy and remote. What am I?

Electronic Voting Machine (EVM)

What complex preparation was required for each ballot box in the early voting system?

Each box had to display the candidate's symbol and name in multiple languages along with constituency and polling station details.

Fill in the blank: The voting system that lasted for about forty years required voters to ___ their choice of candidate.

Stamp

What marked a significant evolution in the voting process in the late 1990s?

The adoption of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)

What was the outcome of the first general election in India for the Indian National Congress?

The Indian National Congress emerged victorious, winning 364 out of 489 Lok Sabha seats.

Fill in the blanks: Jawaharlal Nehru assumed the role of ___ following the first general election and solidified Congress's ___ leadership.

Prime Minister; national

True or False: The Indian National Congress lost significant power in the elections of 1957 and 1962.

False; Congress maintained its dominance, securing three-fourths of Lok Sabha seats in both elections.

What electoral method contributed to the Congress party winning a disproportionate number of seats in elections?

The first-past-the-post electoral method allowed Congress to win more seats than their proportional vote share.

Riddle: I am a party that dominated Indian politics after independence, led by a charismatic leader named Nehru. Who am I?

The Indian National Congress.

Fill in the blanks: Although there were instances like the 1957 Kerala election where a ___-led coalition took power, Congress largely controlled both national and state governments.

CPI (Communist Party of India)

What percentage of Lok Sabha seats did the Indian National Congress secure in the first general election?

Approximately 74.4% of Lok Sabha seats.

What significant political event occurred in Kerala in March 1957?

The Communist Party secured a majority in the Kerala legislature, winning 60 out of 126 seats.

Fill in the blank: The first instance worldwide of a Communist party government gaining power through democratic elections occurred in ___ in 1957.

Kerala

True or False: The Congress party responded to their defeat in Kerala by supporting the Communist-led government.

False. The Congress party initiated a 'liberation struggle' against the Communist-led government.