Tag: political parties in india

Major political parties in India are at their neck to neck for power. And another chapter for power play is happening right after Bangalore elections. It is now happening in Andhra Pradesh on 13 may 2024. Indian political parties share an energetic fabric that has been created by various ideologies, regional aspirations and historical legacies. Political parties of different beliefs and interests compete for power and influence from the vibrant streets of Delhi to the calm backwaters of Kerala.  This article examines the diverse range of India’s political parties, looking at their ideologies, importance and impact on different regions in India. Let us explore Indian Politics!! The Indian Political Parties The political parties of India feature a lively multi-party system regulated by the Election Commission of India (ECI). However, recognition as a national or state-level political party by EC also has its own set of provisions.  These include the much sought after reserved party symbol, free airtime on state-run media and say in important electoral decisions. But for those who wish to contest elections without the status, they must register themselves with the Election Commission. As per ECI data released in March 2024, there are 6 national parties, 57 state parties and a significant number of unrecognised parties competing for political parties. All registered parties that take part in elections have to choose a symbol from the list provided by the EC which ensures fair conduct of polls throughout diverse regions of India. To gain national party status, a political party needs to demonstrate its considerable presence either by securing not less than two percent of total valid votes polled in Lok Sabha General Elections from at least three states or winning minimum three seats in Lok Sabha at such election.  National Political Parties in India According to Indian political system, a registered party earns national party recognition by meeting any of the following conditions: Winning at least 2% of Lok Sabha seats (11 seats) from a minimum of three states. Securing 6% of the vote share in four or more states in a Lok Sabha or Legislative Assembly general election, alongside winning four Lok Sabha seats. Attaining state party recognition in four states. Based on the above criteria, following are the 6 major National Political Parties In India according to the ECI in March of 2024:  1. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Political Position: Center to Centre-left Policy: Populism, Secularism, Composite nationalism, Democratic socialism Formed: November 2012 Headed by: Arvind Kejriwal Seats held: 2 in Lok Sabha; 1 in Rajya Sabha; strong presence in state assemblies. Logo: Broom Explanation: The broom stands for AAP’s pledge to clean governance which would work for common people and clean Indian politics by eradicating corruption. 2. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Ideology: Ambedkarism, Self-Respect Established: April 1984 Head: Mayawati Spheres of influence: 8 Lok Sabha Constituencies and state assemblies representation Symbol: Elephant Meaning: It represents power, perseverance, and the party’s dedication to voicing for oppressed groups. 3. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Political Position: Right Ideology: Hindu nationalism, Free-marketeering, Populism of the Right, Toryism Established: April 1980 Chairperson: JP Nadda Colours: The largest party in the Lok Sabha with 290 seats, a significant presence in the Rajya Sabha and numerous state assemblies. Logo: Lotus flower Interpretation: It represents racial purity, wealthiness and cultural tradition of India as well as embodies Hindutva ideology and vision for nation-building. 4. Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) Political Power: Leftist Ideology: Marxism-Leninism, Socialism, Communism, Secularism Established: November 1964 Head: Sitaram Yechury Presence: It has a presence in three Lok Sabha seats, five Rajya Sabha seats and state assemblies. Symbol: The symbol of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) is the Hammer and Sickle. Meaning: It represents workers’ struggle for socialism and party’s commitment towards secularism and social justice. 5. Indian National Congress (INC)   Political Position: Centre Ideology: Secularism, Civic nationalism, Social democracy, Liberalism Founded: December 1885 Leader: Mallikarjun Kharge Presence: 47 Lok Sabha seats, 30 Rajya Sabha seats, and extensive representation in state assemblies. Symbol: A Hand Meaning: It signifies unity, progress, and the party’s historical role in India’s independence movement and nation-building efforts. 6. National People’s Party (NPP) Political Position: Centre-Right Ideology: Regionalism, Cultural conservatism Founded: January 2013 Leader: Conrad Sangma Presence: 1 MP seat, 1 MLC seat and presence in state legislatures. Symbol: A Book written in hindi alphabets Meaning : It signifies knowledge, education and the party’s commitment towards regionalism and cultural conservatism for inclusive development. These political parties represent a diverse range of ideologies and have varying levels of influence and presence across different states and regions of India. State Political Parties in India Registered political parties must meet one of the following conditions to be considered as a state party: It has to receive not less than six percent of the valid votes polled in any election to the State Legislative Assembly and also win at least two seats in that assembly. The other condition is that it must secure not less than six percent of valid votes polled in any Lok Sabha general election from a particular state and win at least one seat in the Lok Sabha. Another way is winning three percent of total seats or any fraction allotted to that state. Alternatively, under more relaxed rules, an organisation could qualify for recognition as a state party if its share among all states’ popular vote exceeds or equals eight percent. State Party in Three or More States: 1. All India Trinamool Congress Political Parties Stand: Centre to centre-left Beliefs: BangaBhumi, Progressiveness, Welfare state, Worldly outlook, Populism Formed: 1998 Headed by: Mamata Banerjee Places active in: Meghalaya, Tripura and West Bengal governments; 23 seats in Lok Sabha; 13 seats in Rajya Sabha  Logo: Two Grass Flowers  Interpretation: It represents modesty as well as people’s rights at local level plus commitment towards general welfare. 2. Communist Party of India Political Stand: Leftism Ideology: Communist, Marxist-Leninist, Anti-capitalist, Socialist, Secular Established: 1925 Chairperson: D. Raja Strength: Kerala, Manipur and Tamil Nadu governments; two Rajya