Political Parties in India :part 1

A political party is an organized group of people who share common values, ideology, and goals, aiming to contest elections and form the government. Unlike pressure groups, parties seek power to implement policies, whereas pressure groups influence policy externally.

Functions of Political Parties

Contest Elections – Most candidates belong to political parties; parties select candidates.
Policy Formulation – Parties present policies/programmes via manifestos.
Legislation – Ruling party members dominate law-making; party discipline ensures support.
Opposition Role – Critique government policies, offer alternatives, mobilize public opinion.
Shape Public Opinion – Raise issues of public interest, mobilize support.
Link Between People and Government – Provide access to government welfare schemes.
Political Recruitment & Socialization – Train future leaders and activists.
Political Education – Spread awareness of democratic processes and participation.

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Types of Political Parties

1. Based on Ideology

Type	Goal	Example
Radical	Overthrow existing order	CPI(M)
Reactionary	Return to old systems	Right-wing conservative groups
Conservative	Preserve status quo	BJP (rightist)
Liberal	Reform existing system	INC (centrist)

Note: Leftist, centrist, and rightist classifications trace back to the 1789 French Assembly.

2. Based on Organisation

Type	Characteristics	Example
Mass-based	Large, diverse membership, flexible structure	INC
Cadre-based	Disciplined, hierarchical, ideologically committed	CPI(M)

Many parties display hybrid characteristics.

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Party Systems

Definition: Structure of political parties and their interactions in a polity.

Types

Single-Party Dominant System – One party rules for long periods; opposition is weak (e.g., China, Former USSR).
Two-Party System – Two major parties dominate; alternation in power (e.g., USA – Democrats & Republicans).
Multi-Party System – Multiple parties exist; coalition governments are common (e.g., India, Switzerland, France).

Party System in India

Historically one-party dominant (Congress System) post-independence.
Now a multi-party system with significant regional parties.
Bi-nodal/coalition system also exists at the Centre and some states.

Other Classifications of Indian Parties

Ideological Parties – Defined by a specific ideology (e.g., CPI, BJP).
Catch-All Parties – Seek broad appeal (e.g., INC).
Personality-Centric Parties – Centered on a charismatic leader (e.g., Shiv Sena under Bal Thackeray).
Parties with Parochial Interests – Represent a narrow group (e.g., caste-based parties).
Regional Parties – Represent a state or region (e.g., DMK, TMC).

Pressure Groups / Interest Groups 
Definition 

Organized associations that seek to influence government policy without contesting elections.

Characteristics
Specific interest or goal.
No intention to capture political power.
Can be temporary or permanent.
Techniques Employed
Lobbying, public campaigns, protests, petitions, legal action.
Role
Influence government policies.
Educate and mobilize public opinion.
Link government and people on specific issues.

Types in India 

Business Groups – FICCI, CII

Trade Unions – INTUC, AITUC
Farmer Organisations – Bhartiya Kisan Union
Professional Associations – Bar Council, IMA
Student Organisations – ABVP, NSUI
Ideology-Based Groups – RSS, CPI-affiliated groups
Anomic Interest Groups – Spontaneous groups formed around sudden issues

Difference Between Political Parties and Pressure Groups

Feature	Political Party	Pressure Group
Objective	Capture power	Influence policy
Participation	Contest elections	Lobby/advocate
Scope	Broad (national/state)	Narrow, issue-specific
Accountability	Elected representatives	Not accountable to electorate