Political Parties in India :part 3

Types of Political Parties in India

1. Ideological Parties

Parties with a clearly defined ideology.
Examples:
CPI, CPM → Communism
BJP → Hindu nationalism (Hindutva)
Characteristics: Policy-oriented, ideology-driven, less flexible in shifting positions.

2. Catch-all Parties

Lack a clearly defined ideology.
Driven by pragmatism and focus on electoral gains.
Aim to appeal to diverse social groups.
Tend to prioritize short-term benefits over long-term principles.

3. Personality-Centric Parties

Centered around a single leader; ideology often overshadowed.
Can lead to dynastic politics and weaken internal party democracy.
Examples: Parties led by family members or charismatic leaders.

4. Parties with Parochial Interests

Represent narrow interests like caste, religion, or region.
Can undermine national integration.
Extreme cases may encourage secessionism.

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5. Regional Parties

Represent the interests of specific states or regions.
Play a crucial role in coalition politics at the Centre.
Can influence financial allocations, ministerial positions, or even foreign policy.
Examples:
DMK, AIDMK → Tamil Nadu & Indo-Sri Lanka relations
TMC → Teesta water dispute & Bangladesh boundary issues

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Factionalism and Defections

Splits, mergers, and factionalism are common.
Resort politics (locking MLAs/MPs to prevent defection) seen in Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra.
Causes government instability and political manipulation.

Recognition of Political Parties in India

Governed by the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.
Categories:
National Parties
State Parties
Unrecognised Parties
Benefits of Recognition:
Exclusive election symbols (state/national level)
Simplified nomination process (only one proposer)
Free access to electoral rolls
Broadcast facilities over Doordarshan/AIR during elections
Designation of star campaigners (40 for recognized parties, 20 for unrecognised)

Eligibility Criteria

For State Party

General Assembly Election: ≥6% of votes in state + 2 assembly seats
Lok Sabha Election: ≥6% of votes in state + 1 LS seat
Assembly Election: ≥3% of seats or at least 3 seats
Lok Sabha Election: 1 seat per 25 LS seats in the state
≥8% votes in any General Election (added in 2011)

For National Party

Won 2% of Lok Sabha seats (11 seats) from ≥3 states
Poll ≥6% votes in ≥4 states + 4 Lok Sabha seats
Recognized as state party in ≥4 states

Current Scenario (2023)

National Parties: 6
State Parties: 54

• Unrecognised Registered Parties: 2,597