Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Uttar Pradesh.
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
The Lok Sabha is composed of members directly elected from territorial constituencies in the states and union territories of India. The number of constituencies in each state is not equal but depends primarily on population. This question asks which state has the maximum number of Lok Sabha constituencies, meaning it sends the largest contingent of members to the Lok Sabha. This is a frequently asked fact in general studies and Indian polity examinations.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state in India and consequently has the largest number of Lok Sabha constituencies. For many years, it has been known that Uttar Pradesh sends over seventy members to the Lok Sabha, far more than any other state. Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat have significantly fewer seats. The approach is therefore simple recall based on population and prior knowledge of Lok Sabha seat distribution, leading to Uttar Pradesh as the answer.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state in India.
Step 2: Remember that Lok Sabha seat allocation is broadly based on population and that Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of seats.
Step 3: Compare with other large states such as Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat, which have significantly fewer constituencies.
Step 4: Recognise that exam tables and summaries always show Uttar Pradesh at the top of the list of states by Lok Sabha seats.
Step 5: Therefore, identify Uttar Pradesh as the correct answer.
Verification / Alternative check:
Another way to verify this information is to recall that Uttar Pradesh plays a crucial role in national politics precisely because of its large representation in the Lok Sabha. Political parties often focus heavily on Uttar Pradesh during general elections, and media coverage frequently mentions that the state sends the largest number of Members of Parliament to the Lok Sabha. This repeated emphasis in news and exam material confirms that Uttar Pradesh has more constituencies than Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh or Gujarat.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B: Madhya Pradesh is a large state by area but has fewer Lok Sabha seats than Uttar Pradesh.
Option C: Andhra Pradesh has a smaller population and therefore has fewer constituencies than Uttar Pradesh.
Option D: Gujarat is an economically important state but again has far fewer Lok Sabha seats compared to Uttar Pradesh.
Common Pitfalls:
Some students confuse the largest state by area with the state having the most Lok Sabha seats, but area is not the deciding factor for representation. Others may have outdated memories from before state reorganisations and may misremember seat numbers for states like Andhra Pradesh. To avoid these errors, it is useful to remember a simple rule that the most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, has the largest representation in the Lok Sabha. This single fact helps in many exam questions that connect politics with population patterns.
Final Answer:
Uttar Pradesh.
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