There are 1771 seats for the Provincial Assemblies.

Although both the Muslim League and the Congress had rejected the Act of 1935, they decide to contest the elections.

After the elections, provincial chief ministers and cabinets take office, although the governors have limited "emergency powers." At the center, the act essentially provides for the establishment of a dyarchy, but it also provides for a federal system that includes the princes.

The princes refuse to join a system that might force them to accept decisions made by elected politicians.

Thus, the full provisions of the 1935 act do not come into force at the center.

The results of the elections are shocking for both the Muslims of India and for the Muslim League, who do not receive substantial support from their potential voters.

The Congress manages to get a clear majority in five provinces, orders the hoisting of their flag on government buildings, and makes the singing of the Bande Mataram compulsory in the legislatures.