In the Constitution of India, the right of citizens to vote in general elections (universal adult suffrage) is provided under which specific Article?

Introduction / Context:
The right to vote is one of the most important political rights enjoyed by citizens in any democracy. In India, this right is linked to the idea of universal adult suffrage, meaning that every adult citizen who meets basic criteria such as age and soundness of mind can participate in elections. This question tests your understanding of which specific Article of the Constitution of India provides for this right to vote in elections to the House of the People and to the Legislative Assemblies of states.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The question is about the constitutional provision for the right to vote in India.
- The options list various Articles of the Constitution, and only one directly deals with adult suffrage for elections.
- The focus is on general elections to Parliament and state Legislative Assemblies, not on local bodies or other institutions.

Concept / Approach:
The Constitution contains several Articles that deal with special provisions, emergency powers, and amendments. However, the specific Article that deals with elections on the basis of adult suffrage is Article 326. It clearly states that elections to the House of the People and to the Legislative Assemblies of states shall be on the basis of adult suffrage, subject to qualifications such as age, non-disqualification under law, and citizenship.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that special status for Jammu and Kashmir was earlier associated with Article 370, so that option is not linked to voting rights. Step 2: Remember that Article 356 deals with President rule in states, not with voting rights. Step 3: Article 368 is about the procedure for amending the Constitution, so it is also not correct here. Step 4: Article 326 explicitly mentions that elections to the Lok Sabha and state Legislative Assemblies shall be on the basis of adult suffrage. Step 5: Therefore, Article 326 is the only option that directly addresses the right to vote in this sense.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify this by noting that Articles 324 to 329 deal with elections. Among them, Article 324 talks about the Election Commission, Article 325 deals with a single general electoral roll, and Article 326 specifically covers adult suffrage. Thus, if you know that the cluster of Articles in the 320s is about elections, it is easier to remember that Article 326 is the one for voting rights.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Article 370: Related to special provisions for a particular region, not general voting rights.
- Article 356: Deals with failure of constitutional machinery in states and President rule, not suffrage.
- Article 368: Concerns the process for constitutional amendments, not the right to vote.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to confuse different Articles in the 300 series, especially Article 324 (Election Commission) and Article 326 (adult suffrage). Another error is to assume that Article 21 or Articles connected with fundamental rights must automatically include the right to vote, but the right to vote is actually a constitutional right rather than a fundamental right and is placed separately under the part dealing with elections.

Final Answer:
Article 326 of the Constitution of India provides for the right to vote through elections based on universal adult suffrage.