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Political Parties
What Is A Political Party?
What is meant by a Political Party? What are its three main components?
A Political Party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and
hold power in the government. They agree on some policies and programmes for
society to promote the collective good.
Since there can be different views on what is good for all, parties try to persuade
people why their policies are better than others. They seek to implement these
policies by winning popular support through elections.
The Three Main Components Of A Political Party Are:

1. The Leaders

2. The Active members

3. The Followers

Define Partisanship. Why do political parties involve partisanship?

A Partisan is a person who is strongly committed to a party, group or faction.
Partisanship is defined as a tendency to take a side and an inability to take a
balanced view of an issue.
Parties reflect fundamental political divisions in a society. They are about a part of
society and thus, involve partisanship. Thus, a party is known by which part it
stands for, which policies it supports and whose interests it upholds.

The Need For Political Parties

Examine the role of Political Parties in a democratic country. OR Political parties fill
political offices and exercise political power. But they do this by performing a series of
important functions. Explain any five of them. [IMPORTANT] [PYQ]

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 Political parties fill political offices and exercise political power. Parties do so by
performing a series of functions:

1. Parties Contest Elections.

In most democracies, elections are fought mainly among the candidates put up
by political parties.

Parties select their candidates in different ways. In some countries, such as the
USA, members and supporters of a party choose their candidates. Now more
and more countries are following this method. In other countries like India, top
party leaders choose candidates for contesting elections.

2. Parties Put Forward Different Policies And Programs For The

Voters To Choose From
Each of us may have different opinions and views on what policies are suitable
for the society. But no government can handle such a large variety of views.

In a democracy, a large number of similar opinions have to be grouped to

provide a direction in which policies can be formulated by the governments.

This is what the parties do. A party reduces a vast multitude of opinions into a
few basic positions which it supports. A government is expected to base its
policies on the line taken by the ruling party.

3. Parties Play A Decisive Role In Making Laws

Formally, laws are debated and passed in the legislature. However since most
of the members belong to a party, they go by the direction of the party
leadership, irrespective of their personal opinions.

4. Parties Form And Run Governments

The big policy decisions are taken by the political executive that comes from the
political parties. Parties recruit leaders, train them and then make them
ministers to run the government in the way they want.

5. The Losing Parties Play The Role of Opposition

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 Those parties that lose in the elections play the role of opposition to the parties
in power by voicing different views and criticising the government for its failures
or wrong policies. Opposition parties also mobilise opposition to the government

6. Parties Shape Public Opinion

Parties have lakhs of members and activists spread all over the country. Many
of the pressure groups are the extensions of political parties among different
sections of society. They raise and highlight issues.

Parties sometimes also launch movements for the resolution of problems faced
by people.

Often opinions in the society crystallise on the lines parties take.

7. Parties Provide Access To Government Machinery And

Welfare Schemes
For an ordinary citizen, it is easier to approach a local party leader than a
government officer.

That is why, they feel close to parties even when they do not fully trust them.

Parties have to be responsive to people’s needs and demands, otherwise

people can reject those parties in the next elections.

“Political parties are a necessary condition for a democracy”. Analyse the statement
with examples. OR The rise of political parties is directly linked to the emergence of
representative democracy. Justify the statement. [IMPORTANT] [PYQ]

Modern democracies cannot exist without political parties.

In a situation without parties, every candidate in the elections will be

independent, so, no one will be able to make any promises to the people about
any major policy changes.

The government may be formed, but its utility will remain ever uncertain.

Elected representatives will be accountable to their constituency for what they

do in the locality, but no one will be responsible for how the country will be run.

As societies become large and complex, they also need some agency to gather
different views on various issues and to present these to the government. They

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 need some ways, to bring various representatives together so that a
responsible government can be formed.

They need a mechanism to support or restrain the government, make policies,

and justify or oppose them.

Political parties fulfil these needs that every representative government has.
Therefore, we can say that parties are a necessary condition for democracy.

The Types of Parties (Three Major Types)

Differentiate between One-Party and Two-Party Systems.

One Party System Two Party System

1. In some countries, power usually changes

between two main parties. Several other parties
1. In some countries, only one party is
may exist, contest elections and win a few seats in
allowed to control and run the
the national legislatures. But only the two main
government. These are called one-
parties have a serious chance of winning a majority
party systems.
of seats to form a government. Such a party system
is called a two-party system.

2. It is not a democratic option. 2. It is a democratic option.

3. For example; In China, only the 3. For example; The United States of America and
Communist Party is allowed to rule. the United Kingdom

What is a Multi-Party System?

If several parties compete for power, and more than two parties have a
reasonable chance of coming to power either on their strength or in alliance
with others, it is known as a Multiparty System.

In India, we have a multiparty system, in which the government is formed by

various parties coming together in a coalition. When several parties in a multi-
party system join hands to contest elections and win power, it is called an
alliance or a front.

“No party system is ideal for all countries and in all situations.” Justify the statement
with five arguments. OR “Party system is not something any country can choose. It

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 evolves over a long time.” Justify. OR Why India has adopted a Multi-Party System?
[IMPORTANT] [PYQ] [PB1 2023-24]

1. The multiparty system often appears very messy and leads to political
instability, but at the same time, this system allows a variety of interests and
opinions to enjoy political representation.

2. The party system is not something any country can choose. It evolves over a
long time, depending on the nature of society, its social and regional divisions,
its history of politics and its system of elections.

3. These cannot be changed very quickly. Each country develops a party system
that is conditioned by its special circumstances.

4. For example, if India has evolved a multiparty system, it is because the social
and geographical diversity in such a large country is not easily absorbed by two
or even three parties.

5. Thus, no system is ideal for all countries and all situations.

National Parties (7 Total)

What is a Recognised Political Party?
Every party in the country has to register with the Election Commission. While the
Commission treats all parties equally, it offers some special facilities to large and
established parties. A political party that has been recognised by the ‘Election
Commission and is given certain privileges and special facilities such as a unique
symbol that can only be used by the official candidates of that party is known as a
“Recognised Political Party.”

What is meant by a “National Political Party?” State the conditions required to be

a national political party. How many national parties are there in India? Name them.

The political parties that are present country-wide are known as National
Political Parties. These parties have their units in various states. But by and
large, all these units follow the same policies, programmes and strategies that
are decided at the national level.

The conditions required to be a national political party are:

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 1. The party must secure at least 6% of the total votes in Lok Sabha elections
or Assembly elections in four states.

2. The party must win at least four seats in the Lok Sabha.

There were 7 recognized national parties in India in 2019.

Enlist all the features of the Indian National Congress (INC).

Popularly known as the Congress Party, it is one of the oldest parties in the
world.

It was founded in 1885 and has experienced many splits. It played a dominant
role in Indian politics at the national and state level for several decades after
India’s Independence.

Under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru, the party sought to build a modern
secular democratic republic in India. It was the ruling party at the centre till 1977
and then from 1980 to 1989. But after 1989, its support declined, but still, it
continues to be present throughout the country, cutting across social divisions.

It is a centrist party (neither rightist nor leftist) in its ideological orientation, the
party espouses secularism and the welfare of weaker sections and minorities.
The INC supports new economic reforms but with a human face.

It was the leader of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government from
2004 to 2019. In the 2019 Lok Sabha election, it won 19.5% votes and 52
seats.

Enlist all the features of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). [PB2 2023-24]

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 It was founded in 1980 by reviving the erstwhile Bharatiya Jana Sangh, formed
by Syama Prasad Mukherjee in 1951.

It wants to build a strong and modern India by drawing inspiration from India’s
ancient culture and values; and Deendayal Upadhyaya’s ideas of integral
humanism and Antyodaya.

Cultural nationalism (or ‘Hindutva’) is an important element in its conception of

Indian nationhood and politics. It wants full territorial and political integration of
Jammu and Kashmir with India, a uniform civil code for all people living in the
country irrespective of religion, and a ban on religious conversions.

Its support base increased substantially in the 1990s. Earlier limited to north
and west and urban areas, the party expanded its support in the south, east,
northeast and rural areas.

Came to power in 1998 as the leader of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA)
including several regional parties and emerged as the largest party with 303
members in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Currently leads the ruling NDA
government at the Centre.

Enlist all the features of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC).

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 It was launched on 1 January 1998 under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee. It
was recognised as a national party in 2016 and the party’s symbol is flowers
and grass.

It is committed to secularism and federalism and has been in power in West

Bengal since 2011 and also has a presence in Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and
Tripura.

In the General Elections held in 2019, it got 4.07 per cent votes and won 22
seats, making it the fourth-largest party in the Lok Sabha.

Enlist all the features of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). [PB2 2023-24]

It was formed in 1984 under the leadership of Kanshi Ram and it seeks to
represent and secure power for the Bahujan samaj which includes the Dalits,
Adivasis, OBCs and religious minorities.

It draws inspiration from the ideas and teachings of Sahu Maharaj, Mahatma
Phule, Periyar Ramaswami Naicker and Babasaheb Ambedkar and it stands for
the cause of securing the interests and welfare of the Dalits and oppressed
people.

It has its main base in the state of Uttar Pradesh and a substantial presence in
neighbouring states like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Delhi and
Punjab.

It formed a government in Uttar Pradesh several times by taking the support of

different parties at different times.

In the Lok Sabha elections held in 2019, it polled about 3.63 per cent votes and
secured 10 seats in the Lok Sabha.

Enlist all the features of the Communist Party of India (CPI).

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 It was formed in 1925 and believes in Marxism-Leninism, secularism and
democracy.

It is opposed to the forces of secessionism and communalism and accepts

parliamentary democracy as a means of promoting the interests of the working
class, farmers and the poor.

It became weak after the split in the party in 1964 that led to the formation of the
CPI-(M) but has a significant presence in the states of Kerala, West Bengal,
Punjab, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Its support base had gradually declined over the years, therefore, it secured
less than 1 per cent votes and 2 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

It also advocates the coming together of all left parties to build a strong left
front.

Enlist all the features of the Communist Party of India - Marxist (CPI-M).

It was founded in 1964 and believes in Marxism-Leninism.

It supports socialism, secularism and democracy and opposes imperialism and

communalism. Also accepts democratic elections as a useful and helpful means
for securing the objective of socio-economic justice in India.

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 It enjoys strong support in West Bengal, Kerala and Tripura, especially among
the poor, factory workers, farmers, agricultural labourers and the intelligentsia.

It is critical of the new economic policies that allow the free flow of foreign
capital and goods into the country.

Was in power in West Bengal without a break for 34 years. In the 2019 Lok
Sabha elections, it won about 1.75 per cent of votes and 3 seats.

Enlist all the features of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).

It was formed in 1999 following a split in the Congress party.

It espouses democracy, Gandhian secularism, equity, social justice and

federalism and wants that high offices in government be confined to natural-
born citizens of the country.

It is a major party in Maharashtra and has a significant presence in Meghalaya,

Manipur and Assam.

It is a coalition partner in the state of Maharashtra in alliance with the Congress.

It has been a member of the United Progressive Alliance since 2004 and in the
2019 Lok Sabha election, it won 1.4% votes and 5 seats.

State Parties (Examples Only)

What is meant by “Regional Political Party?” State the conditions required to be
recognised as a regional political party.

A regional party is a political party that is present in only some states. Regional
parties or State parties need not be regional in their ideology. They have state
identity as they are present only in some states.

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 Some of these parties are all Indian parties that happen to have succeeded only in
states. For example; Samajwadi Party and Rashtriya Janta Dal. Some of these
parties like Biju Janata Dal, Sikkim Democratic Front, Mizo National Front and
Telangana Rashtra Samithi are conscious about their State identity.
The conditions required to be a regional political party are:

1. The party must secure at least six per cent of the total votes in an election to
the legislative assembly of a state.

2. The party must win at least two seats in the legislative assembly.

“Nearly every one of the state parties wants to get an opportunity to be a part of one
or the other national level coalition.” Support the statement with arguments OR How
do the state parties help in the strengthening of the federal structure of our country?

1. Over the last three decades, the number and strength of state parties has
expanded.

2. This made the Parliament of India politically more and more diverse, as no one
national party has been able to secure on its own a majority in the Lok Sabha,
until 2014. As a result, the national parties are compelled to form alliances with
State parties.

3. Since 1996, nearly every one of the State parties has had an opportunity to be
a part of one or the other national-level coalition government, and this has
contributed to the strengthening of federalism and democracy in our country.

Challenges To Political Parties (4 Major

Challenges)
All over the world, people express their dissatisfaction with the failure of political
parties to perform their functions well.” Analyse the statement with arguments. OR
What challenges do you feel are being faced by political parties in India? Give your
opinion. [VERY IMPORTANT] [PB1 2023-24]

1. Lack of internal democracy within parties.

All over the world, there is a tendency in political parties towards the
concentration of power in one or a few leaders at the top.

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 Parties do not keep membership registers, do not hold organisational meetings,
and do not conduct internal elections regularly.

Therefore, ordinary members of the party do not get sufficient information on

what happens inside the party. They do not have the means or the connections
needed to influence the decisions.

As a result, the leaders assume greater power to make decisions in the name of
the party.

Since one or few leaders exercise paramount power in the party, those who
disagree with the leadership find it difficult to continue in the party. More than
loyalty to party principles and policies, personal loyalty to the leader becomes
more important.

2. Dynastic Succession
Since most political parties do not practice open and transparent procedures for
their functioning, there are very few ways for an ordinary worker to rise to the
top of a party.

Those who happen to be the leaders are in a position of unfair advantage to

favour people close to them or even their family members.

In many parties, the top positions are always controlled by members of one
family.

This is unfair to other members of that party. This is also bad for democracy
since people who do not have adequate experience or popular support come to
occupy positions of power.

This tendency is present in some measure all over the world, including in some
of the older democracies.

3. Money And Muscle Power

Since parties are focused only on winning elections, they tend to use shortcuts
to win elections.

They tend to nominate those candidates who have or can raise lots of money.

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 Rich people and companies who give funds to the parties tend to influence the
policies and decisions of the party.

In some cases, parties support criminals who can win elections.

Democrats all over the world are worried about the increasing role of rich
people and big companies in democratic politics.

4. No Meaningful Choice
To offer meaningful choice, parties must be significantly different but in recent
years, there has been a decline in the ideological differences among parties in
most parts of the world.

For example; the difference between the Labour Party and the Conservative
Party in Britain is very little. They agree on more fundamental aspects but differ
only in details on how policies are to be framed and implemented.

In our country too, the differences among all the major parties on the economic
policies have reduced.

Those who want different policies have no option available to them.

Sometimes people cannot even elect very different leaders either, because the
same set of leaders keeps shifting from one party to another.

How Can Parties Be Reformed (3 Laws, 3

Suggestions, 2 Actually Good Suggestions)
Explain any five suggestions to reform political parties in India. OR Suggest and
explain any five effective measures to reform political parties.
Some of the recent efforts and suggestions in our country to reform political parties
and their leaders are:

1. The Constitution was amended to prevent elected MLAs and MPs from
changing parties.

This was done because many elected representatives were indulging in

defection to become ministers or for cash rewards.

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 Now, if any MLA or MP changes parties, he or she will lose the seat in the
legislature. This new law has helped bring defection down and at the same
time, this has made any dissent even more difficult.

MPs and MLAs have to accept whatever the party leaders decide.

2. The Supreme Court passed an order to reduce the influence of money and
criminals.

Now, it is mandatory for every candidate who contests elections to file an

affidavit giving details of his property and criminal cases pending against
him.

The new system has made a lot of information available to the public, but,
there is no system to check if the information given by the candidates is
true. As yet we do not know if it has led to a decline in the influence of the
rich and the criminals.

3. The Election Commission passed an order making it necessary for political

parties to hold their organisational elections and file their income tax returns.

The parties have started doing so but sometimes it is mere formality.

However, it is not clear if this step has led to greater internal democracy in
political parties.

4. It should be made mandatory for political parties to give one-third of tickets to

women candidates. Also, there should be a quota for women in the decision-
making bodies of the party.

5. A law should be made to regulate the internal affairs of political parties.

It should be made compulsory for political parties to maintain a register of

its members, to follow its constitution, to have an independent authority, to
act as a judge in case of party disputes, and to hold open elections to the
highest posts.

6. There should be state funding of elections.

The government should give parties money to support their election

expenses.

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 This support could be given in kind: petrol, paper, telephone, etc. or it could
be given in cash based on the votes secured by the party in the last
election.

7. People can put pressure on political parties.

This can be done through petitions, publicity and agitations.

Ordinary citizens, pressure groups and movements and the media can play
an important role in this.

If political parties feel that they would lose public support by not taking up
reforms, they would become more serious about reforms.

8. Political parties can improve if those who want these reforms, join political
parties.

The quality of democracy depends on the degree of public participation.

It is difficult to reform politics if ordinary citizens do not take part in it and

simply criticise it from the outside.

The problem of bad politics can be solved by more and better politics.

Important Definitions:
Ruling Party The political party that runs the government.

Changing party allegiance from the party on which a person got elected (to a
Defection
legislative body) to a different party.

A signed document is submitted to an officer, where a person makes a sworn

Affidavit
statement regarding her personal information.

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