1957 elections in India

The 1957 elections in India marked the second general election since the nation's independence in 1947, representing a crucial moment in its democratic development. Conducted between February 24 and March 3, 1957, the elections were notable for the increased participation of political parties and a growing electorate, with over 172 million eligible voters. The Indian National Congress, led by Jawaharlal Nehru, maintained its dominant position, winning 329 out of 494 Lok Sabha seats, thereby securing a majority in the lower house of Parliament. Key opposition parties included the Communist Party of India and the Bharatiya Janata Sangh. The elections were marked by extensive campaigning, electoral reforms, and a commitment to strengthening India's democratic institutions, setting a precedent for future electoral processes.