What distinguished Manipur's elections in June 1948 in Independent India?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
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 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’.
Since the elections were done on the basis of a Universal adult Franchise, thus, it became the first election in India in which every adult, including 'women' were given voting rights.