UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 29
Consider the following statements :
- 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.
- 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 ?
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: D
Correct Option: D
Explanation: India uses first-past-the-post elections: the candidate with the most votes wins, even below 50%. The Constitution does not reserve the Deputy Speaker’s office for the opposition.
Statement/Pair-wise Analysis:
Statement/Item 1: Incorrect - A plurality of valid votes is sufficient; an absolute majority of 50% is not required.
Statement/Item 2: Incorrect - Article 93 requires election of Speaker and Deputy Speaker but prescribes no ruling-party/opposition allocation.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Incorrect - includes incorrect statement/item 1.
B: Incorrect - includes incorrect statement/item 2.
C: Incorrect - includes incorrect statement/items 1, 2.
D: Correct - none of the listed statements/items is true.