Recognition of political parties as National or State parties in India is governed by the Election Commission of India (ECI) based on specific criteria outlined in the Representation of the People Act, 1951. The status of a party as a National or State party carries various privileges, including access to electoral symbols, financial support, and broadcasting time during elections.
1. National Parties:
Criteria for Recognition:
- A party can be recognized as a National party if it meets any of the following criteria:
- The party secures at least 6% of the valid votes polled in any four or more states in a Lok Sabha or State Legislative Assembly election.
- The party wins at least four seats in the Lok Sabha from any state or states.
- The party is recognized as a State party in at least four states.
Examples:
a. Indian National Congress (INC): – The Indian National Congress, founded in 1885, has been one of the dominant political parties in India’s electoral history. – It has consistently met the criteria for recognition as a National party by securing significant vote shares and winning seats across multiple states.
b. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): – The Bharatiya Janata Party, established in 1980, has emerged as a major force in Indian politics. – With its widespread support base and electoral successes, the BJP has fulfilled the criteria for recognition as a National party.
c. Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)): – The CPI(M), a left-wing political party, has a strong presence in states like Kerala, West Bengal, and Tripura. – It has met the criteria for recognition as a National party based on its electoral performance in multiple states.
2. State Parties:
Criteria for Recognition:
- A party can be recognized as a State party if it meets any of the following criteria:
- The party secures at least 6% of the valid votes polled in an election to the State Legislative Assembly and wins at least two seats in that election.
- The party wins at least three percent of the total number of seats in the State Legislative Assembly, or at least three seats, whichever is more.
- The party wins at least one seat in the Lok Sabha for every 25 seats or any fraction thereof allotted to that state.
Examples:
a. All India Trinamool Congress (AITC): – The All India Trinamool Congress, formed in 1998, is a significant political party in West Bengal. – It has fulfilled the criteria for recognition as a State party based on its electoral performance in the state assembly elections.
b. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK): – The DMK, a regional party in Tamil Nadu, has a strong presence in the state’s politics. – It meets the criteria for recognition as a State party based on its electoral successes and representation in the State Legislative Assembly.
c. Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS): – The Telangana Rashtra Samithi, founded in 2001, played a crucial role in the formation of the state of Telangana. – It has achieved recognition as a State party based on its electoral performance and representation in the state assembly.
Conclusion:
Recognition of political parties as National or State parties in India is determined by the Election Commission of India based on specific criteria related to electoral performance. National parties enjoy privileges at the national level, while State parties have recognition and benefits limited to their respective states. The recognition process aims to provide a framework for equitable representation and participation of political parties in the democratic process, ensuring a diverse and vibrant political landscape in the country.
