POLITICAL PARTIES

INTRODUCTION

• Political parties are voluntary associations of individuals who share common political beliefs and aim to gain political power through constitutional means.
• They shape public policy, mobilise citizens, contest elections, form governments, and act as a link between the people and the political system.
• In India’s parliamentary democracy, political parties are indispensable for ensuring stability, representation, and accountability.

TYPES OF POLITICAL PARTIES (BASED ON IDEOLOGY)

1. Reactionary Parties  
• Resist socio-economic changes and seek to retain old institutions.  
• Prefer traditional order; oppose rapid reforms.

2. Conservative Parties  
• Support gradual change while maintaining the existing status quo.  
• Emphasize stability and continuity.

3. Liberal Parties  
• Advocate reforms within existing institutions.  
• Support individual rights, social justice, and progressive governance.

4. Radical Parties  
• Aim to overthrow existing systems and establish a new political order.  
• Often driven by revolutionary ideologies.

KINDS OF PARTY SYSTEMS

1. One-Party System  
• Single dominant party controls all political power.  
• Example: Former USSR, China.

2. Two-Party System  
• Two major parties dominate electoral politics.  
• Ensures stability and alternation of power.  
• Examples: USA, UK.

3. Multi-Party System  
• Numerous political parties compete for power.  
• Leads to coalition governments.  
• Examples: France, Italy, Switzerland.

PARTY SYSTEM IN INDIA

1. Multi-Party System  
• India has one of the world’s largest numbers of political parties.  
• 8 National Parties, 52 State Parties, 2354 Registered-Unrecognised Parties (as per ECI data).

2. One-Dominant Party System (Historical)  
• After independence, the Congress dominated for decades.  
• Later replaced by coalition politics.

3. Lack of Clear Ideology  
• Most parties claim commitment to democracy, secularism, socialism, federalism and Gandhian principles.

4. Personality Cult  
• Many parties revolve around charismatic leaders.  
• Example: AIADMK (MGR/Jayalalithaa), BJD (Naveen Patnaik), TDP (NTR), Shiv Sena (Bal Thackeray).

5. Traditional-Social Base  
• Parties mobilise support based on caste, religion, region, or ethnicity.  
• Examples: Akali Dal, Muslim League, BSP, RPI.

6. Emergence of Regional Parties  
• Driven by regional aspirations, identity politics, and uneven development.

7. Factionalism and Defections  
• Frequent party splits; political instability.  
• Led to anti-defection law (52nd CAA, 1985).

8. Weak Opposition  
• Strong ruling party and weak opposition often lead to reduced accountability.

RECOGNITION OF POLITICAL PARTIES (NATIONAL & STATE)

• The Election Commission registers and recognises parties based on electoral performance.
• Recognition leads to:
  – Exclusive symbols  
  – Access to electoral rolls  
  – Time slots on Doordarshan & AIR  
  – Eligibility for certain facilities during elections  

NATIONAL PARTY – CONDITIONS (ANY ONE)

1. Wins 2% of Lok Sabha seats (11 seats) from at least 3 states; OR  
2. Recognised as State Party in at least 4 states; OR  
3. Polls 6% votes in at least 4 states AND wins 4 Lok Sabha seats.

STATE PARTY – CONDITIONS (ANY ONE)

1. Wins 3% seats (minimum 3) in State Assembly; OR  
2. Wins 1 Lok Sabha seat per 25 seats allotted to the state; OR  
3. Polls 6% votes AND wins 1 Lok Sabha or 2 Assembly seats; OR  
4. Polls 8% votes in state assembly or Lok Sabha elections.

Important Note:  
• National People’s Party (NPP) became India’s 8th national party—first from the North-East.

ROLE OF REGIONAL PARTIES

FEATURES
• Operate within a specific state or region.  
• Represent regional identities—cultural, linguistic, religious, or ethnic.  
• Advocate regional interests and autonomy.  
• Limited geographic influence but strong local presence.

CLASSIFICATION

1. Based on Regional Culture/Ethnicity  
• DMK, AIADMK, Shiv Sena, Akali Dal, TDP, National Conference.

2. All-India Outlook but No National Base  
• Forward Bloc, RSP, NCP, Samajwadi Party.

3. Formed by Split in National Parties  
• BJD, RJD, Trinamool Congress, Kerala Congress, YSR Congress.

4. Personal Leadership-Based  
• LJP, Haryana Vikas Party, Congress (J).

REASONS FOR RISE OF REGIONAL PARTIES

• Cultural and ethnic plurality.  
• Regional economic disparities and neglect.  
• Aspirations of local elites and former rulers.  
• Failure of national parties to address regional concerns.  
• Language-based reorganisation of states.  
• Charismatic regional leaders.  
• Internal party factionalism.  
• Centralisation of power by national parties (especially Congress pre-1990).  
• Caste, religion, and tribal identity politics.  
• Tribal alienation and autonomy movements.

ROLE OF REGIONAL PARTIES IN INDIAN POLITICS

POSITIVE CONTRIBUTIONS (MERITS)

1. Better Governance & Stability  
• Bring local issues into national discourse.

2. Strengthened Federalism  
• Advocate decentralisation and state autonomy.

3. Wider Representation  
• Ensure diverse groups have political voice.

4. More Competitive Politics  
• Improve electoral accountability and participation.

5. Check on Central Power  
• Prevent authoritarian tendencies.

6. Coalition Era Transformation  
• Since 1989, regional parties crucial in coalition governments.  
• Example: UPA, NDA coalitions included regional partners.

7. Increased Political Awareness  
• Voters more conscious and engaged.

8. Exposing Governor Misuse  
• Opposed arbitrary dismissal of state governments.

DYSFUNCTIONS / NEGATIVE IMPACTS

1. Excessive Regionalism  
• Encouraged casteism, communalism, divisive identity politics.

2. Hurdles in National Policies  
• Narrow focus hinders national development vision.

3. Inter-State Disputes  
• Example: River water disputes, border conflicts.

4. Corruption & Patronage  
• Nepotism, misuse of power.

5. Populist Policies  
• Focus on electoral gains instead of long-term governance.

CONCLUSION

Political parties form the backbone of India’s democratic structure. While national parties shape national policies, regional parties deepen federalism and ensure representation of diverse voices. However, challenges like regionalism, party fragmentation, and personality cults remain. A mature party system requires internal democracy, ideological clarity, transparency in funding, and responsible political behaviour.

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Subject: Polity

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