Question

State whether true or false: In the first national election, only men were allowed to vote.

Answer 1

Answer: The given statement is false.

• The Constitution of India adopted the Universal Adult Franchise. Franchise means the right to vote. In the state and national elections, all Indians above the age of 21 years were allowed to vote irrespective of gender. Currently, any Indian citizen above the age of 18 years old is eligible to vote in the elections.
• This was a revolutionary step as Indians were never allowed to choose their own leaders before this provision was granted by the Constitution of India.
• Special privileges were offered to the most disadvantaged and poorest sections of Indians by the Constitution of India.
• All the citizens were guaranteed equality before law, irrespective of religion or caste, this was one of the most important features of the Constitution of India.
• The elections in India are conducted by the Election Commission of India, which is an institution which works independently.