Question map
In the election held in 1937, in which two provinces was the Indian National Congress not able to emerge as the single largest party?
Explanation
In the 1937 provincial elections held under the Government of India Act of 1935, the Indian National Congress achieved significant success, winning a majority in most provinces [3]. Specifically, the Congress emerged as the single largest party in eight out of eleven provinces, eventually forming ministries in Madras, United Provinces, Bihar, Central Provinces, Orissa, Bombay, and later in the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) and Assam [2]. However, in Punjab, the Unionist Party emerged as the dominant force, and in Sind, the local Sind United Party and other regional groups held sway [4]. While the Congress managed to become the largest party in Assam and NWFP through coalitions or subsequent political maneuvering, it failed to emerge as the single largest party in Punjab and Sind, where regional and communal parties maintained a stronger foothold [2].
Sources
- [2] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 24: Post-War National Scenario > Performance of the Congress > p. 469
- [3] THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART III, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 12: FRAMING THE CONSTITUTION > Fig. 12.7 > p. 326
- [1] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 20: Debates on the Future Strategy after Civil Disobedience Movement > Government of India Act, 1935 > p. 410
- [4] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 24: Post-War National Scenario > Muslim League's Performance > p. 470