Explore the detailed election results of 1945-46 in India, focusing on Congress and Muslim League's performance, the Punjab coalition, and the impact of communal voting and franchise limitations.

Performance of the Congress in the Provincial and Central Elections

• It got 91 per cent of non-Muslim votes.
• Captured 57 out of 102 seats in the Central Assembly.
• In the provincial elections, it got a majority in most provinces except in Bengal, Sindh, and Punjab.
• The Congress majority provinces included NWFP and Assam, which were claimed for Pakistan.

Muslim League’s Performance and Its Rise in Indian Politics

• It got 86.6 per cent of the Muslim votes.
• Captured the 30 reserved seats in the Central Assembly.
• In the provincial elections, it got a majority in Bengal and Sindh.
• Unlike in 1937, the League established itself as the dominant party among Muslims.

Punjab Coalition and Political Power-Shifts

• A Unionist-Congress-Akali coalition under Khizr Hayat Khan assumed power in Punjab.

Significant Features of Elections and Impact of Separate Electorates

• The elections witnessed communal voting, in contrast to the anti-British unity shown in the upsurges.
• This was due to separate electorates and limited franchise, where less than 10% of the population could vote for provincial elections and less than 1% for the Central Assembly.