Chapter: Political Parties

• Introduction to Political Parties

  • Meaning of a Political Party
    • Group of people coming together to contest elections
    • Hold power in the government
    • Agree on some collective policies and programmes
  • Three Core Components
    • The Leaders
    • The Active Members
    • The Followers
  • Functions of Political Parties
    • Contest elections
    • Put forward policies and programmes
    • Make laws for the country
    • Form and run the government
    • Role of opposition
    • Shape public opinion
    • Provide access to government machinery and welfare schemes

• Necessity of Political Parties

  • Without Parties
    • Every candidate would be independent
    • No major policy changes could be made
    • Accountability to the people would remain uncertain
  • Representative Democracies
    • Indispensable for large societies
    • Act as a link between representatives and citizens

• Party Systems

  • One-Party System
    • Only one party is allowed to control and run the government
    • Example: Communist Party of China
    • Not a democratic option
  • Two-Party System
    • Power changes between two main parties
    • Example: USA and UK
  • Multi-Party System
    • Several parties compete for power
    • Governments formed by political alliances (Coalition)
    • Example: India
    • Pros and Cons
      • Represents diversity well
      • Can lead to political instability

• National and State Parties in India

  • Recognition Criteria
    • State Party: Secures at least 6% of votes in State Legislative Assembly and wins at least 2 seats
    • National Party: Secures at least 6% of total votes in Lok Sabha or Assembly elections in 4 states and wins at least 4 seats in Lok Sabha
  • Major National Parties in India (Examples)
    • Indian National Congress (INC)
    • Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
    • Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)
    • Communist Party of India - Marxist (CPI-M)
    • Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)

• Challenges to Political Parties

  • Lack of Internal Democracy
    • Concentration of power in one or few leaders
    • No organizational meetings or internal elections
  • Dynastic Succession
    • Top positions favored by family members
    • Unfair to capable, ordinary workers
  • Money and Muscle Power
    • Role of wealth in winning elections
    • Support from rich donors and criminal elements
  • Absence of Meaningful Choice
    • Ideological differences among parties have reduced significantly

• Reforms in Political Parties

  • Steps Taken in India
    • Anti-Defection Law (Preventing defection for cash/office)
    • Mandatory affidavit of property and criminal cases (Supreme Court directive)
    • Election Commission order for organizational elections
  • Suggestions for Further Reform
    • Law to regulate internal affairs of parties
    • State funding of elections
    • Active participation by ordinary citizens (Public Pressure)