'Introduction of democracy in India in 1950 was a revolutionary act.' Examine.

(i) It was so because the prevailing conditions of India at that time were not very good. India was a poor country. Economic disparity in the country was at peak and Indian agricultural industry, transports, communications—all were in shambles. Most of the people were illiterate. In that dismal scenario of parliamentary democracy and universal adult franchise gave the Indian masses a sense of identity.

(ii) The very first General Election of 1952 under the new Constitution was hailed as an apex achievement to a country with millions of illiterates. The successful working of a system of popular democratic government based on adult franchise, guaranteed fundamental rights and an independent judicial system was later on appreciated by scholars and observers. General elections at scheduled intervals and the peaceful and relatively efficient manner have demonstrated that inspite of their poverty and widespread illiteracy, people of India have allegiance to their constitutional right.