Foundation of Indian Democracy

Framing of the Constitution

The Indian Constituent Assembly (ICA) was formed in 1946. In the beginning, there were 389 members, but the Muslim League members refused to take part in the meetings. After the formation of Pakistan, the League members no longer remained part of the ICA. The total number of members now reduced to 310. Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected the permanent President and the Assembly worked for three years  A Special Committee was held responsible for chalking out the plan of the Constitution. Dr. B.A. Ambedkar was appointed as the head of this committee.   About two thousand amendments were later considered to the Constitution after getting to know and understand the views of the people. The Constitution came into force on 26 January 1950. 

Salient features of the Constitution

Largest written and most complex Constitution in the world Contains a Preamble which calls India a 'Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic'  The constitution allows the Central Govt. to enjoy a position of authority to act on the Central lists. Similarly the State Govts. fully control the State Lists The constitution is the highest legislative body and is interpreted only by the Supreme Court The Constitution grants every citizen of India Fundamental Rights. The constitution also contains provisions called Directive Principles of State Policy.  The Constitution introduced the Universal Adult Franchise.  The Indian Constitution is a unique blend of rigidity and flexibility.  

The First General Election, 1952 

Jawaharlal Nehru was the first PM of Independent India. In 1951-52, the first General Elections took place in accordance with the new Constitution. This election was a great success of the Indian leaders who had full faith in democracy.  In these elections, 14 national parties, 53 regional parties and a number of independent candidates contested in 489 Lok Sabha Seats and 3283 State Assembly Seats. 98 Lok Sabha Seats and 669 Assembly Seats were reserved for the SCs and STs. 

PREPARATION 

Sukumar Sen, the First Chief Election Commissioner of Independent India handled the whole situation with great caution  25 LAKH BALLOT BOXES AND 62 CRORE BALLOT PAPERS WERE USED  THE ENTIRE ELECTION PROCESS WAS MANNED BY 10 LAKH GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS 

Results of the Elections of 1952

   CONGRESS WON 75% OF THE LOK SABHA SEATS AND 68.5% OF THE STATE ASSEMBLY SEATS. IT HAD ABSOLUTE MAJORITY IN MOST STATES EXCLUDING:    -MADRAS    -TRAVANCORE-COCHIN    -ORRISSA    -PEPSU (PATIALA AND EASTERN PUNJAB STATES UNION)     THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF INDIA AND ITS ALLIES BECAME THE NEXT LARGEST WINNING PARTY. THEY WON 23 LOK SABHA SEATS AND 147 ASSEMBLY SEATS.      THE RIGHTIST PARTIES FAILED TO PERFORM WELL IN THESE ELCTIONS. JAN SANGH, HINDU MAHASABHA AND RAMRAJYA PARISHAD WON ONLY 10 LOK SABHA SEATS, RECEIVING ONLY 6% OF THE TOTAL VOTES POLLED.      APART FROM THIS, FORMER ROYALS AND BIG LAND LORDS DID WELL IN SOME PARTS. 

     Impact of the Elections of 1952

Actively encouraged the development of democratic ideas in the country. Opposition Leaders took part in the Lok Sabha and made constructive criticism of Government policies. The press enjoyed full freedom in all respects.  Trade Unions and all other organisation enjoyed full freedom to voice their protests  Important leaders exercised a lot of influence on the activities of the Central Government. These leaders Included : Dr. Shyama Prosad Mukherjee, Ramanhoar Lohia, JB Kriplani and others.