Types of Political Parties

In India, every political party must register with the Election Commission of India (ECI). All parties are treated equally under law, but large/established parties get extra facilities once they are recognised. Recognised parties receive a unique election symbol that only their official candidates can use.

🗂️ Registration✅ Recognition & Symbols🇮🇳 National vs State Parties

🧭 Recognition — National vs State Parties

🇮🇳 National Party (as per ECI handbook)

  • 🏷️ Recognised in 4 or more states; or
  • 🗳️ ≥ 6% valid votes in at least 4 states (latest Lok Sabha/Assembly) and at least 4 MPs in the last Lok Sabha; or
  • 📊 Won at least 2% of Lok Sabha seats, from at least 3 states.

🏞️ State Party (Regional)

  • 🗳️ ≥ 6% valid votes in the state Assembly election and 2 seats in that Assembly; or
  • 🗳️ ≥ 6% valid votes in LS in that state and 1 LS seat from that state; or
  • 📊 3% of Assembly seats (or min 3 seats), in that state; or
  • 📊 1 LS seat per 25 LS seats allotted to the state; or
  • 🗳️ ≥ 8% valid votes in the state (LS or Assembly election).

📌 “Recognised” status brings a reserved symbol, free airtime, and other ECI facilities.

🪧 Election Symbols — Why are they important?

Introduced in the first general elections so even illiterate voters could recognise their party’s candidates quickly. Today, symbols remain a powerful identity marker on the ballot.

🏛️ Recognised National Parties — Snapshot (as per your notes)

Indian National Congress (INC)

Founded 1885 (A.O. Hume). Centrist; advocates secularism, welfare of weaker sections & minorities; supports economic reforms. Led the UPA government (2004–2014). Has served as the principal opposition.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)

Origin in Bharatiya Jana Sangh (1951); founded 1980. Ideology: cultural nationalism / integral humanism (Antyodaya). Led NDA governments; secured clear LS majorities in 2014 & 2019.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)

Founded 1984 (Kanshi Ram). Represents bahujan samaj — Dalits, Adivasis, OBCs & minorities. Strong presence in Uttar Pradesh.

Communist Party of India (Marxist) — CPI(M)

Split from CPI in 1964. Supports socialism, secularism, democracy; opposes imperialism & communalism. Electoral strength in Kerala, West Bengal, Tripura (varied over time).

National People’s Party (NPP)

Founded by P. A. Sangma. Base in Meghalaya and other North-East states; recognised at national level.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)

Founded 2012 (Arvind Kejriwal). Recognised as a national party; governs Delhi & Punjab.

🔎 Note: Recognition statuses can change over time with election performance; always check the latest ECI update when needed.

🏞️ State Parties (Regional)

State parties represent specific regions or states and play a crucial role in India’s federal and coalition politics. Many regional parties influence national governments through alliances (e.g., NDA, UPA, Left Front).

🧠 Exam Quick Notes

  • ✅ All parties must register with ECI; recognition brings a reserved symbol & facilities.
  • ✅ National party = performance/recognition across multiple states (see criteria).
  • ✅ State party = performance thresholds within a state (votes/seats benchmarks).
  • ✅ Symbols help quick voter identification (vital for illiterate voters in early elections).

📝 Try These

  1. List any three criteria by which a party can be recognised as a national party.
  2. Explain two different ways a party can be recognised as a state party.
  3. Why were election symbols introduced? How do they still matter today?