Political Parties
A political party is a group of people with policies and programs aiming to promote
the collective good and gain power in government. The party's stance on issues
and whose interests it represents identifies it.
COMPONENTS OF A POLITICAL PARTY
A political party has three main components:
Leaders,
Active Members,
Followers.
These groups work together to achieve the goals of
the party.
FUNCTIONS OF POLITICAL PARTIES
Political parties contest elections. They present policies and programs to voters.
Parties make laws.
They form and run governments.
Parties provide opposition to the ruling party. They shape public opinion.
Political parties provide access to government machinery
They facilitate access to welfare schemes implemented by the government.
IMPORTANCE OF POLITICAL PARTIES Political Parties Ki Kya Jarurat H?
Political parties fulfill various functions necessary for effective. governance
They represent diverse views and perspectives on important issues to the
government.
Political parties bring together representatives to form responsible governments.
They serve as a mechanism to support or restrain the government's actions
Parties are involved in policy-making and provide justifications or opposition to
policies.
Political parties meet the needs of representative governments.
NUMBER OF POLITICAL PARTIES IN A DEMOCRACY
In a democracy, any group of citizens can form a political party.
Not all registered parties are serious contenders in elections.
The number of major or effective parties is important for a healthy democracy
One-party systems, where only one party controls the government, are not
favorable for democracy
Two-party systems, where power alternates between two main parties, are seen
in some countries like the US and UK.
Multiparty systems, like in India, involve several parties competing for power,
either individually or in alliances.
Alliances or fronts are formed when multiple parties join forces to contest
elections and gain power
Mnemonic
P-Political groups represent diverse views.
A- Alliances form in multi-party systems.
R-Registered parties compete in elections.
PARTIES T-Two-party systems have two main contenders.
I- In democracy, any citizen can form a party.
E - Effective parties contribute to responsible governance.
S- Several parties provide choice and representation.
RECOGNITION CRITERIA FOR PARTIES
All parties in India must register with the Election Commission, but larger and
established parties are granted special facilities. The Election Commission has set
specific criteria for parties to be recognized.
STATE PARTIES
A party that obtains a minimum of 6% of total votes in a Legislative Assembly
election and wins at least 2 seats is recognized as a State Party.
NATIONAL PARTIES
A party that secures at least 6% of the total votes in Lok Sabha elections or
Assembly elections in four states and wins a minimum of 4 seats in the Lok Sabha
is recognized as National Party.
For State Party:
S-Secures at least 6% of the total votes.
T-Two seats won in the Legislative Assembly.
A-Acknowledged as a State Party.
For National Party:
N - National recognition.
A - At least 6% of the total votes in Lok Sabha or
Assembly elections in 4 States.
T - At least 4 seats won in the Lok Sabha
NATIONAL PARTIES IN INDIA
ALL INDIA TRINAMOOL CONGRESS (AITC):
Launched in 1998 under Mamata Banerjee's leadership.
Recognised as a national party in 2016.
Symbol is flowers and grass.
Committed to secularism and federalism.
In power in West Bengal since 2011 and has a presence
in Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Tripura. Got 3.84%
votes and won 34 seats in the 2014 General Elections
BAHUJAN SAMAJ PARTY (BSP):
Formed in 1984 under Kanshi Ram's leadership.
Represents and seeks power for the Bahujan samaj (Dalits,
Adivasis, OBCs and religious minorities). Stands for the
interests and welfare of Dalits and oppressed people.
Main base in Uttar Pradesh, substantial presence in
neighbouring states.
Formed government in UP several times by taking support
from different parties.
BHARATIYA JANATA PARTY BJP:
Formed in 1980, it draws inspiration from India's
ancient culture and values.
Promotes cultural nationalism and believes in building a
strong and modern India.
Expanded its support base beyond its traditional
strongholds in the north and west to the south, east,
northeast and rural areas.
Emerged as the largest party with 282 members in the
2014 Lok Sabha elections
COMMUNIST PARTY OF INDIA CPI :
Founded in 1925.
Ideologies: Marxism-Leninism, secularism, and
democracy.
Opposes secessionism and communalism.
Supports parliamentary democracy for the benefit of
working class, farmers, and the poor.
COMMUNIST PARTY OF INDIA MARXIST
Founded in 1964, it supports socialism, secularism and
democracy and opposes imperialism and
communalism.
Accepts democratic elections as a means for socio-
economic justice in India.
Has a strong support base in West Bengal, Kerala and
Tripura. Was in power in West Bengal for 34 years.
Won about 3% of votes and 9 seats in the 2014 Lok
Sabha elections.
INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS (INC)
Founded in 1885 and is one of the oldest parties in the
world.
Under Nehru's leadership, it aimed to establish a modern
secular democratic republic in India.
Ruled the country from the centre until 1977 and then from
1980 to 1989. Its support declined after 1989, but it is still
present throughout India. Promotes secularism and the
welfare of weaker sections and minorities.
NATIONALIST CONGRESS PARTY (NCP)
Established in 1999 after a split in the Congress party.
Supports democracy, Gandhian secularism, equity, social
justice and federalism.
Has a significant presence in Meghalaya, Manipur, Assam
and is a major party in Maharashtra.
Forms a coalition with Congress in Maharashtra and is a
member of the United Progressive Alliance since 2004
Mnemonic
I- Indian National Congress.
N-National Congress Party.
C-Communist Party of India.
INCABIN A- All India Trinamool Congress.
B- Bahujan Samaj Party.
I- Communist Party of India Marxist.
N-Bhartiya Janta Party.
CHALLENGES TO POLITICAL PARTIES
Lack of internal democracy: Parties lack membership registers, organizational
meetings, and regular internal elections.
Absence of transparency: Parties operate without open and transparent procedures,
limiting opportunities for ordinary workers to reach leadership positions.
Dynastic control: Top positions in many parties are controlled by members of a single
family.
Influence of money and muscle power: Parties prioritize winning over ethical conduct,
leading to the growing influence of money and muscle power during elections. Some
parties even support criminal candidates.
Limited choice: Voters perceive a lack of meaningful choice as leaders frequently
switch between parties, and vastly different candidates are not available for election.
Ways To Reform Political Parties