Vikrant
October 25, 1951, marks a significant milestone in the history of Indian democracy. On this day, the electoral process began in independent India, with the first vote cast in Chini, Himachal Pradesh. This election process lasted until February 21, 1952, spanning nearly four months, and elevated India into the ranks of democratic nations worldwide.
Establishment of the Election Commission
Within just two years of gaining independence, India established the Election Commission. In March 1950, Sukumar Sen was appointed as the first Chief Election Commissioner. Sen played a crucial role in various aspects of the electoral process, including voter registration, the designation of party symbols, and the selection of qualified officials to ensure free and fair elections.
- Voter Registration: Implementing systems to register eligible voters.
- Party Symbols: Determining symbols for various political parties to aid voter recognition.
- Qualified Personnel: Selecting competent officials to conduct elections, ensuring transparency and integrity.
Voter Participation and Infrastructure
The first elections were conducted for 497 Lok Sabha seats and 3,283 seats in state assemblies, with a staggering 173,212,343 registered voters across the country. To facilitate this vast electoral undertaking, a total of 224,000 polling stations were established, and 620 million ballots were printed. Additionally, around 2 million iron ballot boxes were created, utilizing 8,200 tons of steel. For preparing the electoral rolls, 16,500 individuals were contracted for six months.
- Registered Voters: A total of 173,212,343 registered voters participated in the elections.
- Polling Stations: Approximately 224,000 polling stations were established across the country to facilitate voting.
- Ballots and Boxes: The election saw the printing of 620 million ballots and the creation of around 2 million iron ballot boxes, requiring 8,200 tons of steel.
- Electoral Rolls: To prepare the voter lists, 16,500 individuals were employed on a six-month contract, underscoring the logistical efforts needed to conduct such a vast election.
Political Landscape and Candidates
The elections saw the participation of approximately 1,874 candidates from 53 political parties, including 14 national parties. Prominent among these were the Indian National Congress, the Communist Party of India, the Socialist Party, the Kisan Mazdoor Praja Party, and the Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha.
- Indian National Congress (INC): A dominant force in Indian politics.
- Communist Party of India (CPI): The second-largest party, which garnered significant attention.
- Other notable parties included the Socialist Party, Kisan Mazdoor Praja Party, and the Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha.
Conduct of the Elections
India’s first general elections were completed in 68 phases. A remarkable 105.9 million voters cast their votes, making history in the democratic landscape. Interestingly, about 85% of these voters were uneducated, which underscores the challenge of conducting elections in a diverse nation. The Indian National Congress won a majority, securing 364 seats, while the Communist Party of India emerged as the second-largest party with 16 seats.
Financial Aspects
The cost of conducting the first general elections was approximately ₹10.5 crore, translating to a per-voter expenditure of 60 paise. In stark contrast, the cost per voter surged to around ₹72 in the 2019 elections, highlighting the increasing financial requirements of conducting elections in India.
The first general elections in India set a precedent for the world’s largest democracy, showcasing the commitment to democratic principles despite the challenges of a nascent nation. The journey from October 25, 1951, to the present day illustrates India’s evolving democratic landscape, reflecting the resilience and determination of its people to uphold the values of democracy. As we commemorate this golden date, it is essential to recognize the significance of free and fair elections in shaping the future of India.
