Notes on Political Parties

Overview

Political parties are essential in democracies, playing roles in the rise of democracies,
constitutional designs, electoral politics, and government operations. They act as
vehicles for sharing political power and negotiating social divisions. This section
explores the nature, functions, necessity, types, challenges, and reforms of political
parties, with a focus on India.

Why Do We Need Political Parties?

Importance and Visibility

• Political parties are highly visible institutions in democracies, often equated with
democracy itself by ordinary citizens.

• Many citizens, especially in remote areas, may know little about the Constitution
or government but are familiar with political parties.

• Despite their visibility, parties are not always popular, often blamed for
democracy’s shortcomings and associated with social and political divisions.

Historical Context

• A century ago, few countries had political parties; now, almost all democracies
have them.

• The rise of political parties is linked to the emergence of representative

democracies, which require organized groups to manage diverse views and
govern effectively.

Meaning

• A political party is a group of people who unite to contest elections and gain
government power.

• They agree on policies and programs aimed at promoting the collective good.

• Parties reflect societal divisions, advocating for specific groups, policies, or

interests, and involve partisanship (supporting one side).

Components of a Political Party

Component Description

Leaders Guide the party and make key decisions.

Active Members Participate in party activities and campaigns.

 Followers Support the party, often by voting for it.

Functions of Political Parties

Function Description

Contest Elections Parties field candidates to compete in elections, chosen by

members or leaders (e.g., in India, top leaders select
candidates).

Formulate Policies Group diverse opinions into cohesive policies for voters to
choose from.

Make Laws Influence legislation through party members in the legislature,

guided by party leadership.

Form and Run Recruit and train leaders to become ministers and manage
Governments government operations.

Act as Opposition Criticize government policies and mobilize opposition when

not in power.

Shape Public Raise issues, launch movements, and influence society

Opinion through members and pressure groups.

Provide Access to Connect citizens to government services and welfare

Government schemes via local leaders.

Necessity

• Political parties are vital for representative democracies, which require

mechanisms to gather views, form responsive governments, and support or
oppose policies.

• Without parties, elections would lack promises on major policy changes, and
government accountability would be limited to local issues.

• Even in non-party-based elections (e.g., panchayats), factions emerge,

performing party-like roles.

• Parties are a necessary condition for democracy, fulfilling the needs of large,
complex societies.

How Many Parties Should We Have?

Types of Party Systems

Party Description Examples

System
 One-Party Only one party controls the government, China (Communist
System limiting competition. Not democratic. Party)

Two-Party Two main parties dominate, with others USA, UK

System winning few seats.

Multiparty Multiple parties compete, often forming India (e.g., NDA, UPA,
System coalitions or alliances. Left Front in 2004)

India’s Multiparty System

• India has a multiparty system due to its social and geographical diversity, which
cannot be fully represented by just two or three parties.

• Coalitions or alliances (e.g., National Democratic Alliance) are common, as no

single party typically secures a Lok Sabha majority.

• This system can seem messy and unstable but allows diverse interests to gain
representation.

Party Systems at State Level in India

State Party System Description Example States

(Possible)

Two-Party System Two parties dominate state Gujarat, Himachal

politics. Pradesh

Multiparty System with Multiple parties form two major Uttar Pradesh,
Two Alliances alliances. Maharashtra

Multiparty System Several parties compete without Tamil Nadu, West

clear alliances. Bengal

Evaluation

• No party system is universally ideal; each evolves based on a country’s society,

divisions, history, and electoral system.

• India’s multiparty system reflects its diversity, making it suitable despite

challenges like instability.

Popular Participation in Political Parties

• Trust Issues: Political parties are among the least trusted institutions globally,
including in South Asia, with more people expressing low or no trust than high
trust.
 • Participation Levels: Despite low trust, participation in party activities is high in
India, surpassing countries like Canada, Japan, Spain, and South Korea.

• Trends in India:

o Party membership has steadily increased over the last three decades.

o The proportion of people feeling “close to a political party” has also risen.

o Party identification and membership are higher in South Asia than

globally.

National and State Parties

National Parties

• Operate across multiple states with consistent policies and strategies set at the
national level.

• Recognized by the Election Commission if they secure at least 6% of votes in Lok

Sabha or Assembly elections in four states and win at least four Lok Sabha seats.

• As of 2023, there are six recognized national parties:

Party Name Founded Key Features and Achievements

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) 2012 Focuses on accountability and transparency.

Governs Punjab and Delhi; won 1 Lok Sabha
seat in 2019.

Bahujan Samaj Party 1984 Represents dalits, adivasis, OBCs, and

(BSP) minorities. Strong in Uttar Pradesh; won 10
seats in 2019.

Bharatiya Janata Party 1980 Promotes Hindutva and integral humanism.

(BJP) Leads NDA; won 303 seats in 2019.

Communist Party of 1964 Supports socialism and secularism. Strong in

India (Marxist) (CPI-M) West Bengal, Kerala; won 3 seats in 2019.

Indian National 1885 Centrist, secular; led UPA (2004–2014). Won 52

Congress (INC) seats in 2019.

National People’s Party 2013 Focuses on education and employment.

(NPP) Governs Meghalaya; won 1 seat in 2019.

State Parties

• Operate primarily in one or a few states, often called regional parties, though
some have national-level organizations.
 • Recognized if they secure at least 6% of votes in a state Assembly election and
win at least two seats.

• Examples: Samajwadi Party, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Biju Janata Dal, Telangana
Rashtra Samithi.

• Since 1996, state parties have joined national coalitions, strengthening

federalism and diversity in Parliament.

Challenges to Political Parties

Challenge Description

Lack of Internal Power concentrates among top leaders; no regular elections or

Democracy transparency. Ordinary members lack influence.

Dynastic Leaders favor family or close associates for top roles, limiting
Succession opportunities for others.

Money and Muscle Parties rely on wealthy candidates or criminal elements to win
Power elections, influenced by rich donors.

Lack of Meaningful Reduced ideological differences among parties; voters lack

Choice distinct policy options. Leaders often switch parties.

Reforming Political Parties

Recent Reforms

Reform Description Impact and Limitations

Anti-Defection Prevents elected representatives from Reduced defection but

Law switching parties, or they lose their limits dissent within
seat. parties.

Candidate Candidates must disclose assets and Increased transparency

Affidavits criminal cases. but lacks verification.

Party Parties must hold organizational Often a formality; unclear

Compliance elections and file tax returns. impact on democracy.

Proposed Reforms

Proposal Description

Regulate Internal Mandate membership registers, constitutions, independent

Affairs dispute resolution, and open elections.
Women’s Require one-third of tickets and decision-making roles for
Representation women.

State Funding of Provide government funds (cash or resources) based on past

Elections election performance.

Challenges to Reform

• Political parties resist reforms that reduce their control or challenge their
interests.

• Over-regulation may lead to loopholes or evasion.

• Legal solutions alone cannot fix political problems without public pressure.

Alternative Approaches

Approach Description

Public Pressure Citizens, media, and pressure groups can demand reforms
through petitions and agitations.

Increased Ordinary citizens joining parties can improve their quality and
Participation accountability.

Case Study: Muhammad Yunus and Nagarik Shakti

• Background: Muhammad Yunus, a Bangladeshi economist and Nobel Peace

Prize winner (2006), launched Nagarik Shakti (Citizens’ Power) in 2007 to
promote good governance and fight corruption.

• Public Reactions:

o Supporters (e.g., Shahedul Islam) saw it as a chance for better

governance.

o Critics, including traditional party leaders, viewed it as controversial,

questioning Yunus’s motives and external influences.

• Analysis:

o Yunus’s decision aimed to introduce a new political culture but faced

resistance from established parties.

o To succeed, the party would need grassroots democracy, transparency,

and clear policy differences.

o Defending the party would involve emphasizing its anti-corruption focus

and commitment to public welfare.