Assertion: Manipur was the first part of India to hold elections on the basis of Universal Adult Franchise after the independence of India.
Reason: In the Legislative Assembly of Manipur there were sharp differences over the question of the merger of Manipur with India.

Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.

The correct answer is Option 2 - Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.

Assertion: Manipur was the first part of India to hold elections on the basis of Universal Adult Franchise after the independence of India. This is correct.
Reason: In the Legislative Assembly of Manipur there were sharp differences over the question of the merger of Manipur with India. This is correct.

But the Reason is not the explanation for the Assertion:

• Manipur held elections on the basis of universal adult franchise as a progressive step in its own governance, not because of the internal differences about merger.

• The two are related to the same region but are not cause and effect.

More information about Manipur:

"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 franchises (ASSERTION). The issue of the merger with India sparked sharp differences in the Legislative Assembly of Manipur (Reason). 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. The unilateral decision of the merger caused anger and resentment among the people of Manipur which is felt till today."