General Elections in India, December 1945 – January 1946

During the general election campaign in England, the Labour Party expressed its commitment to granting India “full self government” and thus carefully avoided the term “independence”. The elections in India were not only overdue for the centre, which was last held in 1934 but also for the provinces which were last held in 1937. Upon assuming office as the UK’s Prime Minister on July 26, 1945, Clement Attlee called for a comprehensive reevaluation of the Indian situation. Consequently, on August 21, 1945, Viceroy Lord Wavell announced that elections for both central and provincial assemblies would be held in the upcoming winter of 1945-46. On September 19, 1945, it was further communicated that,

“The Government intends to convene, as soon as possible, a constitution-making body, and Lord Wavell is to undertake preliminary discussions with representatives of the Provincial Legislatures, as soon as they are elected, on the 1942 declaration.”

Moreover, it was revealed that an executive council would be established, along with the convening of a constitution-making body following these elections. This emphasized the pivotal role these elections played.

Electrorates in the General Elections in India 1945

The 1945 election differed significantly from the provincial elections of 1937. The voting franchise was limited, encompassing only a small percentage of the Indian adult population. The number of electorates in the Central Legislature was approximately 1.5 million, while the total across all 11 provincial legislatures was about 30 million.

Despite the proposal for an all-India federation in the Government of India Act, 1935, it couldn’t materialize due to the reluctance of Princely states. Consequently, the 1945-46 elections for the Central Legislative Assembly were conducted under the provisions of the Government of India Act, 1919. Consequently, elections were held for 102 seats out of the total 375 seats in the Central Legislative Assembly.

Election Campaign

The Indian National Congress and the Muslim League emerged as the two major parties in the elections, both conducting extensive campaigns.

Under the leadership of its president, Abul Kalam Azad, the Congress championed nationalist ideals. It highlighted the atrocities committed during the Quit India Movement in 1942 and its aftermath, resonating strongly across India. The suffering and hardships endured during the Second World War were prominently featured. The ongoing trials of the Indian National Army (INA) at Red Fort in Delhi were also brought to national attention. In fact, these trials became a pivotal issue in several provinces. Following the severe repression witnessed during the Quit India Movement of 1942, the plight of INA prisoners became a central focus of the election campaign.

The Muslim League, led by M.A. Jinnah, declared that it would base its campaign on two core issues. Firstly, the creation of a separate nation of Pakistan as the primary demand of the Muslims. Secondly, the Muslim League, under M.A. Jinnah’s leadership, was the sole representative of Muslims.

The Communist Party of India (CPI) led by P.C. Joshi, did not fare well in the elections, primarily due to its opposition to the Quit India Movement in 1942.

1945 General Elections Results

Most of the election results were declared by the end of January 1946.

Central Legislative Assembly Election, 1946

The Indian National Congress emerged as the largest party, winning 57 of the 102 seats for which elections took place. The Muslim League performed better than the 1937 elections. It won all the 30 seats reserved for Muslims but failed to win any other seats. Of the 15 remaining seats, 8 went to the Europeans, 5 to the Independents and 2 to the Akali Dal. Though Congress was in majority, but Muslim League emerged as the sole representative of Muslims. The Muslim League and M.A. Jinnah gained the negotiating power to seek a separate Muslim homeland.

Later, these elected members of the Central Legislative Assembly formed the Constituent Assembly of India. This election was the last general election in India before independence. Consequently, after independence the first general elections were held in 1951 in India and in 1970 in Pakistan.

Provincial Legislative Councils Election, 1946

In the provincial elections too, the Congress emerged as the largest party. Of the total of 1585 seats, Congress won 923 seats (58.23% of the total seats). Muslim League won 425 seats (26.81% of the total seats) and emerged as the second largest party. Muslim League won most of the seats reserved for Muslims in the provinces. The Communist Party of India did not do well and won only 8 seats out of 108 seats it contested.

The Congress formed ministries in the provinces of Assam, Bihar, Bombay, Central Provinces, Madras, NWFP, Orissa and United Provinces. The Muslim League formed ministries in Bengal and Sind. A coalition government consisting of the Congress, Unionist Party and the Akali Dal was formed in Punjab Province.

Significance of the 1946 elections

The 1946 elections to the Central Legislative Assembly and Provincial Legislative Councils were landmark and had great significance in the freedom struggle and partition.

1. The elections confirmed Congress as the national representative of India. In Central Legislative Assembly it won 56% of seats and in provinces it won about 58% of total seats. It emerged in majority in 8 out of 11 provinces.
2. The elections gave Muslim League and M.A. Jinnah strategic edge. Muslim League emerged as the sole representative of Muslims. In Central Legislative Assembly it won 29% of seats and in provinces it won about 27% of total seats. However, it won 90% of seats reserved for Muslims. This gave weightage to the two-nation theory or demand for Pakistan made by M.A. Jinnah.
3. It was also an eye opener for Congress which saw rise of communalism and foresaw problems in the united India in future.
4. The franchise or voting rights was limited. In the Central Legislative Assembly about 1% of adults were eligible to vote. In the Provincial Legislative Councils about 10% of adults were eligible to vote.
5. The elected members of the Central Legislative Assembly later formed the Constituent Assembly of India.
6. This election was the last general elections in India before independence. Consequently, after independence the first general elections were held in 1951 in India and in 1970 in Pakistan.
7. In January 1946 during elections, a Parliamentary Delegation from UK visited India and collected first-hand information on political parties, leadership, and election results. This was later evident in the Cabinet Mission which arrived in India in March 1946.

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