India’s politics is vast and rooted deep in our history, freedom struggle, and constitution. Whether you’re preparing for competitive exams or just brushing up your GK, political awareness is a must. Here’s a unique take on important political questions and facts that every Indian should know — not just for exams but for understanding how this nation was built and continues to function.
Key Moments in Indian Political History
- Who was the first President of India?
Dr. Rajendra Prasad held the honour of being the first President, serving from 1950 to 1962 — the only president to serve two full terms. - Who was India’s first Prime Minister?
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru took office on 15 August 1947 and served till 1964. His vision shaped India’s early development. - When was the Constitution of India adopted?
The Constitution came into force on 26 January 1950, though it was adopted earlier on 26 November 1949. - Who was the first woman Prime Minister of India?
Indira Gandhi became PM in 1966. She’s remembered for both her leadership and controversies, like the Emergency in 1975. - When was the Emergency declared?
Emergency was declared in 1975 by Indira Gandhi and lasted till 1977. During this time, civil liberties were curbed.
Noteworthy Political Leaders
- Who was Subhas Chandra Bose?
Bose was a revolutionary leader who believed in armed struggle. He formed the Indian National Army (INA) and gave slogans like “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom”. - Which leader is known as ‘Iron Man of India’?
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel earned this title for uniting more than 500 princely states into India after independence. - Who was the first Deputy Prime Minister?
Sardar Patel again – he was also the first Home Minister. - Who was the youngest PM of India?
Rajiv Gandhi became PM at 40 after the assassination of his mother Indira Gandhi in 1984. - Which Indian PM was assassinated first?
Indira Gandhi was assassinated in 1984 by her own bodyguards. Rajiv Gandhi was later assassinated in 1991.
Important Constitutional Facts
- How many articles are in the Indian Constitution?
Originally 395, the Constitution now has more than 450 articles after several amendments. - Who is known as the father of the Indian Constitution?
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee and played a key role in shaping the document. - What is the minimum age to become President of India?
35 years. - How many Lok Sabha seats are there currently?
There are 543 elected seats in Lok Sabha.
Firsts in Indian Politics
- First woman President of India: Pratibha Patil (2007–2012)
- First woman Speaker of Lok Sabha: Meira Kumar (2009–2014)
- First Dalit President: K.R. Narayanan (1997–2002)
Election Facts and Milestones
- When was the first General Election held?
1951–52. It was the largest democratic exercise in the world at that time. - Which body conducts elections in India?
The Election Commission of India, which is autonomous and constitutionally protected. - Which Indian state has the most Lok Sabha seats?
Uttar Pradesh with 80 seats. - Which party ruled India the longest since independence?
The Indian National Congress. It dominated politics for decades until recent shifts. - When did the BJP come to power for the first time?
The BJP formed a short-lived government in 1996 but got a full term in 1999 under Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Useful Table: Constitutional Positions and Their Eligibility
| Position | Minimum Age | Term Length | Appointed By |
|---|---|---|---|
| President | 35 years | 5 years | Elected by Electoral College |
| Vice President | 35 years | 5 years | Elected by Rajya Sabha & LS |
| Prime Minister | 25 years | 5 years | Appointed by President |
| Governor | 35 years | 5 years | Appointed by President |
| Chief Minister | 25 years | 5 years | Appointed by Governor |
A Few Fun Political Facts
- Rajendra Prasad took only ₹10,000 as salary and donated most of it for public causes.
- Lal Bahadur Shastri’s slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” is still remembered with pride.
- India is the world’s largest democracy — with over 90 crore registered voters in the 2019 general elections.
- Every Indian PM has taken oath at Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi.
- Voting in India is done through Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) since 2004.
Final Words
Political knowledge isn’t just for exams. It’s the base of civic sense, awareness, and participation in the world’s largest democracy. The more you know, the better you understand the decisions that shape your daily life. So next time you vote, read the news, or hear about Parliament, you’ll feel more connected — because now you truly know what’s behind the curtain of Indian politics.
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