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.

The provincial and central elections during the pre-independence period highlighted the political strength of the Congress and the emergence of the Muslim League. These elections also showcased regional coalitions and the influence of separate electorates on Indian politics.

Performance of Congress and Muslim League in Provincial and Central Elections in India

• Congress Party’s Performance in Provincial and Central Elections

  The Indian National Congress demonstrated overwhelming support among non-Muslim voters and controlled a majority of provinces, shaping the political landscape of pre-independence India.

  • Vote Share and Seats

    • (i) Secured 91% of non-Muslim votes across India.
    • (ii) Captured 57 out of 102 seats in the Central Assembly.

  • Provincial Election Outcomes

    • (i) Won a majority in most provinces except Bengal, Sindh, and Punjab.
    • (ii) Majority provinces included NWFP and Assam, regions later claimed by Pakistan.

• Muslim League’s Electoral Performance and Growing Influence

  The Muslim League emerged as the leading political party for Muslims, consolidating support in key provinces and marking a significant shift from earlier elections.

  • Vote Share and Central Assembly Representation

    • (i) Obtained 86.6% of Muslim votes.
    • (ii) Secured all 30 reserved seats for Muslims in the Central Assembly.

  • Provincial Election Success

    • (i) Achieved a majority in Bengal and Sindh.
    • (ii) Unlike the 1937 elections, the League established itself as the dominant party among Muslims.

• Punjab Coalition and Regional Power Dynamics

  • (i) A coalition of Unionist, Congress, and Akali parties led by Khizr Hayat Khan assumed power in Punjab.

• Significant Features of Elections and Impact of Separate Electorates

  • (i) Elections reflected communal voting patterns, contrasting with previous anti-British unity in mass movements.
  • (ii) Separate electorates and restricted franchise limited participation: less than 10% of the population voted in provincial elections and less than 1% for the Central Assembly.

• Summary of Congress and Muslim League Electoral Performance

  The 1937 elections showcased the dominance of the Congress among non-Muslims and the rise of the Muslim League as the representative of Muslims. Regional coalitions like in Punjab and the constraints of separate electorates significantly influenced Indian politics, setting the stage for later constitutional and political developments.