In the context of the accession of princely states, to decide on a merger with the Union of India, which of the following part of India held an election based on the principles of universal adult franchise in June 1948?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
Manipur was a princely state with its own monarch, Maharaja Bodhchandra Singh, and a distinct political and administrative system.
It enjoyed a measure of autonomy under the British colonial rule.
Maharaja Bodhachandra Singh of Manipur signed the Instrument of Accession with the Indian government shortly before Independence.
The agreement ensured that Manipur would maintain its internal autonomy.
In response to public opinion, elections were held in Manipur in June 1948, establishing a constitutional monarchy.
Manipur became the first part of India to hold elections based on universal adult franchise.
The issue of the merger with India sparked sharp differences in the Legislative Assembly of Manipur.
While the state Congress supported the merger, other political parties opposed it.
The Government of India exerted pressure on the Maharaja to sign a Merger Agreement in September 1949 without consulting the popularly elected Legislative Assembly.