Lok Sabha Election Results (1957-1962)
Situation Before the Election: The period from 1957 to 1962 marked an important phase in Indian politics. It followed the first general elections of independent India in 1951-1952. The Indian National Congress (INC), led by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, held a significant majority in the Lok Sabha during this period. The opposition comprised various parties, including the Communist Party of India (CPI), socialist parties, and regional parties. The INC’s dominance was a result of its popularity stemming from the freedom struggle and post-independence policies.Major Agenda of the Election: The major agenda of these elections was to address socioeconomic challenges, foster industrial growth, improve agricultural productivity, and strengthen national unity. Additionally, foreign policy considerations, including the Non-Aligned Movement and India’s role in global affairs, were important topics. These elections were an opportunity for parties to present their visions for India’s development and to engage in debates about various policy directions.Number of Members: During this period, the Lok Sabha had 494 seats, with some fluctuations due to delimitation and the addition of new states. The number of seats represented the diverse regions and communities across India.Winning Party and Opposition Party: The Indian National Congress, under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru, remained the dominant party during these elections. The INC had a strong appeal due to its connection with the freedom struggle and its promises of development and modernization. The opposition included a mix of parties like the Communist Party of India (CPI), socialist parties such as Praja Socialist Party (PSP) and Samyukta Socialist Party (SSP), and some regional parties.Election Analysis:- INC’s Dominance Continues: The INC maintained its stronghold on Indian politics, winning a significant number of seats during these elections. Its popularity was largely attributed to its role in the freedom struggle and its charismatic leadership.
- Opposition’s Diverse Landscape: The opposition was fragmented among various parties with differing ideologies. While the CPI appealed to left-leaning voters, the socialist parties attracted segments of the population looking for alternative economic and social policies.
- Foreign Policy Influence: India’s foreign policy stance, particularly its commitment to the Non-Aligned Movement and global diplomacy, was an underlying theme in these elections. The Nehruvian foreign policy approach found resonance among voters.
- Focus on Development: Economic development, social justice, and the upliftment of marginalized communities were central themes. Parties used these issues to appeal to different voter segments.
- Debates on Industrialization and Agrarian Policies: The debates encompassed the pace of industrialization, land reforms, and the balance between urban and rural development. Different parties had varying visions for addressing these challenges.
- Regional Dynamics: Some regional parties gained prominence during this period, especially in states with specific linguistic or cultural identities. Regional aspirations and autonomy were key factors in these elections.
- Continuity vs. Change: The elections reflected the electorate’s decision on whether to continue with the INC’s established leadership or opt for alternative policies proposed by opposition parties.
Results of Political Parties
| Political Party Name | Member of MP’s |
|---|---|
| Indian National Congress | 371 |
| Communist Party of India | 27 |
| Praja Socialist Party | 19 |
| Ganatantra Parishad | 7 |
| Jharkhand Party | 6 |
| Republican Party of India | 6 |
| Bharatiya Jana Sangh | 4 |
| Peasants and Workers Party of India | 4 |
| Chota Nagpur Santhal Parganas Janata Party | 3 |
| Forward Bloc (Marxist) | 2 |
| People’s Democratic Front | 2 |
| Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha | 1 |
| Indian Union Muslim League | 1 |
| Independents | 41 |
| Nominated Anglo-Indians | 2 |
| Total | 496 |
Lok Sabha Members
| Position | Name | From | To | Days in office |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Speaker | G.V. Mavlankar | 8 May 1952 | 27 Feb 1956 |
| M.A. Ayyangar | 8 Mar 1956 | 10 May 1957 | ||
| 02 | Deputy Speaker | M.A. Ayyangar | 30 May 1952 | 7 Mar 1956 |
| Sardar H. Singh | 20 Mar 1956 | 4 Apr 1957 | ||
| 03 | Secretary-General | M.N. Kaul | 17 Apr 1952 | 4 Apr 1957 |
| 04 | Leader of the House | Jawaharlal Nehru | 17 Apr 1952 | 4 Apr 1957 |
| 05 | Leader of the Opposition | A K Gopalan | 17 Apr 1952 | 4 Apr 1957 |