50
ELECTION PETITION
The 1st General Elections in India were declared in the year 1952. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar wanted alliance with likeminded political parties. In Maharashtra there was a talk for electoral alliance with the ‘Peasants and Workers Party’ and the Socialists. Mr. Jayaprakash Narayan and Mr. Ashok Mehta contacted Dr. Ambedkar through Acharya Donde, who met him at Delhi.
The alliance between Scheduled Castes Federation and Socialist Party took place and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar filed his candidature for the House of People from Bombay City North Constituency as a Reserved Candidate. The Election was held on 3rd January 1952.—Editors.
“BOMBAY RESULTS SHOCKING
Inquiry Urged
New Delhi, January, 5th, 1952.
Dr. Ambedkar, former Law Minister of the Government of India, who is contesting the reserved seat from Bombay north, to the House of the People, said today that the results of the elections in Bombay City, so far declared, came as a great surprise and shock to the citizens of Bombay.
In a statement issued today, Dr. Ambedkar said, the Congress show in the city was comparatively very poor. He claimed that the polling was heavily in favour of the Socialists and the Scheduled Castes Federation.
“How the overwhelming support of the public of Bombay could have been belied so grossly is really a matter for inquiry by the Elections Commissioner” he said.—P. T. I.” [1]
“AMBEDKAR, MEHTA FILE ELECTION PETITION
New Delhi, April 24, 1952
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, former Union Law Minister, and the Socialist leader, Mr. Ashok Mehta, have filed a joint election petition before the Chief Election Commissioner to set aside the election to the House of the People from the Bombay City North Parliamentary constituency, and declare it illegal.
1 : The Time of India, dated 6th January 1952.