Chapter - 4 Political Parties
Why Do We Need Political Parties? Political parties are essential for a democracy.
- Contest elections.
- Form and run governments.
- Shape public opinion.
- Provide access to government machinery and welfare schemes.
A political party is: A Political Party is a group of people who become together to contest election and hold power in the government.
"An organized group of people who share similar ideas and policies about how a country should be governed, and who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government."
Partisan: A partisan is a person who is strongly committed to a particular political party, group, or ideology.
Main Functions of Political Parties:
- Contest Elections.
- Put forward policies and programmes.
- Make laws.
- Form governments (if they win majority).
- Act as opposition (if they lose).
- Shape public opinion.
- Link between people and the government.
Necessity of Political Parties :- Political parties are essential for the smooth functioning of a democracy. Here's why we need them:
1. Representation of Interests
- Parties bring together people with similar ideas and interests.
- They help represent different sections of society (farmers, workers, businesspeople, etc.).
2. Contest Elections
- Political parties nominate candidates and contest elections.
- Without parties, every candidate would be independent and it would be hard to form a stable government.
3. Formation of Government
- The majority party (or alliance) forms the government.
- Helps in maintaining accountability and responsibility.
4. Policy Making
- Parties bring different policies and programmes.
- Voters choose among them based on their needs.
5. Role of Opposition
- The party (or parties) not in power act as the opposition.
- They criticize wrong policies and keep a check on the ruling party.
6. Link Between People and Government
- Parties act as a bridge between the people and the government.
- They raise public issues and shape public opinion.
Types of Party Systems:
- One-party system – Only one party controls the government (e.g., China).
- Two-party system – Power shifts between two major parties (e.g., USA, UK).
- Multi-party system – Several parties compete; often coalition governments (e.g., India).
Why Do Different Countries Have Different Party Systems? :- Different countries have different party systems because of their unique historical, social, cultural, and political situations.
1. History of the Country
- Some countries had revolutions or strong freedom movements that led to the rise of a single dominant party (e.g., China – Communist Party).
- Others developed democratic traditions with multiple parties (e.g., India).
2. Social and Cultural Diversity
- Countries like India are socially and culturally diverse, so many parties emerge to represent different castes, religions, regions, and languages.
- In homogeneous countries, fewer parties are needed.
3. Nature of the Electoral System
- First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) system (like in India or the UK) often leads to a multi-party or two-party system.
- Proportional representation (like in many European countries) allows even small parties to win seats, encouraging multi-party systems.
4. Federal vs. Unitary Structure
- In federal countries like India, state-level parties also become important, leading to a multi-party system.
- In unitary systems, fewer local parties may emerge.
National Political Parties in India (Current List)
1. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
- Ideology: Right-wing, Hindu nationalism, conservative.
- Symbol: Lotus
- Currently the ruling party at the central government.
- Formed: 1980, reviving the erstwhile Bharatiya Jana Sangh
- Founder member: Syama Prasad Mukherjee
2. Indian National Congress (INC)
- Ideology: Centre-left, secularism, social democracy.
- Symbol: Hand
- Major opposition party.
- Formed: 1885
3. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)
- Ideology: Social justice, represents Dalits, OBCs, and minorities.
- Symbol: Elephant
- Formed: 1984
- Founder member: Kanshi Ram
4. Communist Party of India (CPI)
- Ideology: Leftist, socialist, supports working class.
- Symbol: Ears of corn and a sickle
- Formed: 1925
5. Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI-M]
- Ideology: Marxist-Leninist, pro-labour, anti-capitalist.
- Symbol: Hammer, sickle, and star
- Formed: 1964
6. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP – Sharad Pawar faction)
- Ideology: Centre-left, secular, democracy.
- Symbol: Clock
- Formed: 1999
7. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)
- Symbol: Broom
- Formed: 2012
- Idealogy: Governance Reforms, Anti-Corruption
8. National People Party (NPP)
- Symbol: Book
- Formed: 2013
- Founder: Purno Agitok Sangma.
9. All India Trinamool Congress (AITC)
Symbol:Flowers and Grass
Formed: 1 January 1998
Founder: Mamta Banerjee
What Makes a Party "National"? - A party must:
- Win 6% or more votes in at least 4 or more states in Lok Sabha or Assembly elections.
- AND win at least 4 seats in the Lok Sabha.
State Party (Regional Party) :- A State Party is a political party that is recognized by the Election Commission of India as a party that mainly operates in one state and has influence only within that particular region or state.
Recognition Criteria: To be recognized as a State Party, a political party must:
- Get at least 6% of the valid votes in the Legislative Assembly election of the state, and
- Win at least 2 seats in the state Legislative Assembly OR
- Win at least 3% of the total seats or 3 seats (whichever is more) in the Legislative Assembly.
Examples of State Parties:
Party Name State
DMK Tamil Nadu
Shiv Sena (UBT) Maharashtra
TMC (Trinamool Congress) West Bengal
BJD (Biju Janata Dal) Odisha
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Delhi, Punjab (Now also a National Party as of 2023)
Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress (YSRCP) Andhra Pradesh
Challenges to political parties
Political parties are very important for democracy, but they also face many challenges. These challenges affect their functioning, transparency, and credibility.
1. Lack of Internal Democracy
- Parties don’t hold regular elections within the party.
- Ordinary members have no voice in decision-making.
- Power remains in the hands of top leaders.
2. Dynastic Succession
- Leadership is often passed to family members, not based on merit.
- Reduces chances for talented and hardworking people from outside the family.
- Example: Political families dominating parties.
3. Use of Money and Muscle Power
- Rich candidates can buy votes or use muscle power to win elections.
- Criminals sometimes enter politics.
- Election becomes unfair and corrupt.
4. Lack of Meaningful Choice for Voters
- Most parties offer similar promises, no real difference in policies.
- Sometimes, even candidates from different parties keep switching parties, confusing voters.
5. Corruption and Misuse of Power
- Some parties misuse government power for personal or party gain.
- Bribery, scams, and favoritism reduce people’s faith in democracy.
How Can Political Parties Be Reformed?
1. Legal Reforms by the Government
- The Election Commission of India (ECI) has made it compulsory for candidates to:
- File income tax returns.
- Give details of their criminal records (if any).
- Anti-defection law prevents elected MLAs/MPs from switching parties.
2. Internal Democracy
- Parties should hold regular internal elections.
- Members should have a say in decision-making.
- Encourage young and honest people to become leaders.
3. Transparency in Funding
- Keep transparent records of donations.
- Avoid black money.
- Government can help by giving state funding to reduce money power.
4. Reduce Dynastic Politics
- Leadership should be open to all, not just family members.
- Promote merit-based leadership.
- RTI (Right to Information)
- Social media
- Public campaigns
6. Reserve seat for women:
KEY Words
Affidavit:- A signed document submitted to an officer, where a person makes a sworn statement regarding her personal information.
Defection:- Changing party allegiance from the party on which a person got elected (to a legislative body) to a different party.
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