MP Board · Class 10 · Social Science · Civics: Political PartiesWhat is meant by a 'national political party'? State the conditions required for a party to be recognized as a national political party in India, and give examples of any two national parties.

Introduction to Political Parties and National Parties\nDemocracies that are large federations, like India, have two kinds of political parties: parties that are present in only one of the federal units (State parties) and parties that are present in several or all units of the federation (National parties).

Definition of a National Political Party\nNational parties are country-wide parties. They have their units in various states. By and large, all these units follow the same policies, programmes, and strategy that is decided at the national level. To be recognized as a national party, a political party must fulfill specific criteria laid down by the Election Commission of India.

Conditions Required for National Recognition\nA registered party is recognized as a national party only if it fulfills any of the following distinct criteria set by the Election Commission of India:

1. Lok Sabha or Assembly Election Performance (Percentage Criterion):

   • The party must secure at least 6% of the total votes polled in general elections to the Lok Sabha or Assembly elections in four states.
   • In addition to securing 6% votes, the party must win at least 4 seats in the Lok Sabha from any state or states.

2. Lok Sabha Seats Criterion:

   • The party must win at least 2% of the total seats in the Lok Sabha.
   • These members must be elected from at least three different states in the country.

3. State Party Status Criterion:

   • The party must be recognized as a State Party in at least four states.

Examples of National Political Parties in India\nAs per the Election Commission of India guidelines, several parties enjoy national status. Two prominent examples include:

• 1. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP):

  • Founded in 1980 by resurrecting the erstwhile Bharatiya Jana Sangh.
  • Wants to build a strong and modern India by drawing inspiration from India's ancient culture and values.
  • Cultural nationalism (Hindutva) is an important element in its conception of Indian nationhood and politics.
  • Wants full territorial and political integration of Jammu and Kashmir with India, a uniform civil code for all people living in the country, and a ban on religious conversions.

• 2. Indian National Congress (INC / Congress Party):

  • Popularly known as the Congress party. One of the oldest parties of the world, founded in 1885.
  • Played a dominant role in Indian politics at the national and state levels for several decades following independence.
  • Under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru, the party sought to build a modern secular democratic republic in India.
  • Espouses secularism and welfare of weaker sections and minorities. Supports new economic reforms but with a human face.

Conclusion\nNational parties possess a pan-Indian reach and address national concerns. While regional parties focus on local aspirations, national parties integrate various state-level interests into a broader national vision, maintaining the federal equilibrium of the nation.