Q76 · UPSC Prelims 2017 · Set A · Polity and Governance

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Consider the following statements:1.In the election for Lok Sabha or State Assembly, the winning candidate must get at least 50 percent of the votes polled, to be declared elected.2.According to the provisions laid down in the Constitution of India, in Lok Sabha, the Speaker's post goes to the majority party and the Deputy Speaker's to the Opposition.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A 1 only
B 2 only
C Both 1 and 2
D Neither 1 nor 2

Correct answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation

  1. A

    1 only

    Option (a) is 1 only. India uses first-past-the-post for Lok Sabha and Assembly seats: the candidate with the most votes wins, even with far less than 50 percent. Statement 1 is false. This option is not the key.

  2. B

    2 only

    Option (b) is 2 only. The Constitution does not assign Speaker to the majority and Deputy Speaker to the Opposition; that is at most a political convention, not a constitutional rule. Statement 2 is false. This option is not the key.

  3. C

    Both 1 and 2

    Option (c) is both. Both statements fail. This option is therefore wrong.

  4. D

    Neither 1 nor 2

    Neither statement is correct: FPTP does not require 50 percent, and Speaker/Deputy Speaker posts are not constitutionally partitioned between majority and Opposition. That is why (d) is the official key.

Summary. Official key is (d) Neither 1 nor 2. Lok Sabha and Assembly elections are plurality contests, not majority-runoff. Articles 93 and 178 provide for Speaker and Deputy Speaker but do not reserve one post for the Opposition. Conventions may encourage a Deputy Speakership for the Opposition; they are not constitutional mandates. Both statements are therefore wrong.

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