Consider the following statements:1.The Election Commission of India is a five-member body.2.Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and bye-elections.3.Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits/mergers of recognized political parties.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A

   1 and 2 only

   Option (a) is 1 and 2 only. The Election Commission of India is the Chief Election Commissioner plus two Election Commissioners (three members), not five. The election schedule is decided by the ECI, not by the Union Home Ministry. Both 1 and 2 are false. This option is not the key.

2. B

   2 only

   Option (b) is 2 only. Home Ministry does not fix the poll calendar. This option is therefore wrong.

3. C

   2 and 3 only

   Option (c) is 2 and 3 only. Statement 2 is false even though 3 is true. This option is not the key.

4. D

   3 only

   Statement 3 is correct: the ECI decides disputes on splits and mergers of recognised parties under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968. Statements 1 and 2 are false. Hence 3 only is the official key.

Summary. Official key is (d) 3 only. ECI is a three-member body. It, not the Home Ministry, notifies the schedule for general and bye-elections. It does adjudicate recognised-party splits and mergers for the party symbol. Only statement 3 is right.