After Independence, India faced not only nation-building but also the challenge of creating a democratic system.
Unlike many newly freed countries that chose authoritarian rule, India held free and fair elections under universal adult franchise.
The first general election (1951–52) was a massive exercise with 17 crore voters, mostly poor and illiterate. Critics doubted its success,
but it became a landmark proving democracy could work in such conditions.

The Congress Party dominated the first three general elections (1952, 1957, 1962), winning three-fourths of Lok Sabha seats though with less than 50% votes.
Congress’ dominance came from its legacy of the freedom struggle, charismatic leadership of Nehru, its widespread organisation, and its character as a
social and ideological coalition accommodating peasants, workers, industrialists, different castes and religions.

Opposition parties emerged:
• Communist Party of India (CPI): Won Kerala in 1957, but dismissed under Article 356 (1959).
• Socialist Party: Split into factions; criticised Congress for favouring capitalists.
• Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS): Founded 1951, linked with RSS; promoted cultural nationalism and nuclear weapons.

Despite weak representation, opposition parties played a vital role in checking Congress and grooming future leaders.

The Congress acted as both government and opposition within itself, due to internal factions. This system of dominance is called the “Congress System”,
but it was achieved democratically, unlike one-party regimes in countries like China or Cuba.

Pointers:
• 1951–52: First General Election; landmark in world democracy.
• Congress dominance (364/489 seats in 1952 LS).
• CPI victory in Kerala, 1957 – first communist govt elected democratically.
• Article 356 misuse in 1959 – dismissal of Kerala govt.
• Nature of “Congress System” – inclusive, coalition-like, factionalism tolerated.