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

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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. Political Parties Ki

Importance of Political Parties 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.
Kitni Political Parties form ho sakti h ?
Number of Political Parties in a Democracy

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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.

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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 a National Party.
For State Party: For National Party:
S - Secures at least 6% of the total votes N - National recognition
T - Two seats won in the Legislative Assembly A - At least 6% of the total votes in Lok Sabha or
A - Acknowledged as a State Party Assembly elections in 4 States
T - At least 4 seats won in the Lok Sabha
 National Parties in India

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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):

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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

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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

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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
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Regional Parties in India
Challenges to Political Parties

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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

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frequently switch between parties, and vastly different candidates are
not available for election.
Ways To Reform Political Parties
 PYQs

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1.What is the difference between the Indian National Congress and the
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with
regard to their political ideologies? (2016)
2.Why do political parties participate in election? Explain
any three reasons. (2017)
3.Why are political parties needed? Give any three reasons. (2017)
4.How can we say that there is a crisis of political parties in India? Explain

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any three reasons. (2017)
5.Explain any three challenges faced by political parties. (2018)
6.Explain any three functions of a political party. (2018) 7.What is meant
by the term ‘National Party’? Name any
two National Parties in India. (2018)
8.What are the two forms of competition in democracy? Explain. (2019)
9.What is a political party? Explain any three features of a political party.
(2019)
10.Describe any three functions of political parties. (2019) 11.The political
parties face many challenges and are required to overcome them to remain
effective instruments of
democracy”. Support the statement with examples. (2020)
12. Mention any three functions of the Election Commission. (2020)
13. What is the role of money in the functioning of political parties?
Explain any three points. (2021)
14. Explain the concept of ‘Coalition Government’ with the help
of an example. (2021)
15. What is meant by the internal democracy of a political
party? Explain any three ways in which political parties can be reformed to
promote internal democracy. (2021)

*NOTE : Worksheet [Important Questions Of All typology with

Answers) is provided as Seperate PDF on website padhleakshay.com*