Learning Objective
- Why Do We Need Political Parties?
- How Many Parties Should We Have?
- National Parties
- State Parties
- Challenges to Political Parties
- How Can Parties Be Reformed?
Why Do We Need Political Parties?
A political party comprises three main components:
- Leaders
- Active members
- Followers
Functions
- Contesting elections
- Presenting policies for voter selection
- Legislating laws
- Forming and governing
- Providing opposition and critique
- Influencing public opinion
- Facilitating access to resources and welfare.
Necessity
Political parties are essential as they fulfill vital functions and represent diverse views to the government. They unite representatives to form responsible governments, serving as a mechanism to support or check policies. Thus, they meet the requirements of representative governance.
How Many Parties Should We Have?
- In democracy, many parties emerge, with over 750 registered in India. Not all are significant contenders. Democracy’s effectiveness depends on major parties. One-party systems aren’t democratic.
- In two-party systems like the USA and UK, power shifts between two parties. In India’s multiparty system, numerous parties compete, individually or in alliances.
National Parties
Parties in India must register with the Election Commission, which offers benefits to larger and established parties. To be recognized:
- A State Party needs 6% of votes and 2 seats in a State Legislative Assembly election.
- A National Party requires 6% of votes and 4 seats in Lok Sabha or Assembly elections in 4 states.
Major National Parties in India
1)All India Trinamool Congress (AITC)
- Launched in 1998 under Mamata Banerjee’s leadership, the party became a national party in 2016. Its symbol is flowers and grass, and it advocates for secularism and federalism.
- In power in West Bengal since 2011, it also has a presence in Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Tripura. In the 2014 General Elections, it secured 3.84% of votes and won 34 seats, making it the fourth-largest party in the Lok Sabha.
2)Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP):
- Formed in 1984 by Kanshi Ram, the party represents the Bahujan Samaj, comprising Dalits, Adivasis, OBCs, and religious minorities.
- It advocates for their interests and welfare, with a strong base in Uttar Pradesh and a significant presence in neighboring states.
- It has formed governments in UP multiple times with support from various parties.
3) Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP)
- Formed in 1980, the party draws inspiration from Syama Prasad Mukherjee’s vision since 1951.
- It seeks to blend ancient culture with modernity, guided by Deendayal Upadhyaya’s integral humanism and Antyodaya. Cultural nationalism, or ‘Hindutva,’ defines its concept of Indian nationhood.
- Initially focused on north and west India and urban areas, it has broadened support to encompass the south, east, northeast, and rural regions.
- It emerged as the largest party with 282 members in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.
4)Communist Party of India – Marxist (CPI-M):
- Founded in 1964, this party upholds Marxism-Leninism, advocating socialism, secularism, and democracy while opposing imperialism and communalism.
- It sees democratic elections as vital for achieving socio-economic justice. With strong support in West Bengal, Kerala, and Tripura, it governed West Bengal continuously for 34 years. In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, it garnered around 3% of votes and won 9 seats.
5)Indian National Congress (INC):
- Founded in 1885, the Congress Party, one of the world’s oldest, experienced several splits.
- Led by Jawaharlal Nehru, it aimed for a modern secular democratic republic. It held central power until 1977 and again from 1980 to 1989.
- Despite declining support since 1989, it retains a nationwide presence, prioritizing secularism and the welfare of weaker sections and minorities.
6)Nationalist Congress Party (NCP):
- Formed in 1999 after a split from the Congress party, this party advocates for democracy, Gandhian secularism, equity, social justice, and federalism.
- It holds a prominent position in Maharashtra and has a notable presence in Meghalaya, Manipur, and Assam.
- In Maharashtra, it is part of a coalition with the Congress and has been a member of the United Progressive Alliance since 2004.
State Parties
The Election Commission designates major parties as ‘state parties’, or regional parties. Examples: Biju Janata Dal, Sikkim Democratic Front, Mizo National Front, Telangana Rashtra Samithi.
Challenges to Political Parties
Popular dissatisfaction with political parties’ centers on four key issues:
- Lack of internal democracy: Parties lack membership registers, meetings, and regular internal elections.
- Limited opportunities for ordinary members: Transparency issues hinder the rise of ordinary workers, with top positions often controlled by one family.
- Influence of money and muscle power: Parties prioritize winning elections, leading to shortcuts and support for criminal candidates.
- Lack of meaningful choices: Voters face difficulty finding distinct options as leaders frequently switch parties.
How Can Parties Be Reformed?
Efforts to reform political parties and leaders in India:
- Amending the Constitution to prevent elected officials from switching parties.
- Supreme Court mandate for candidates to disclose property and criminal cases.
- Election Commission directive for parties to conduct organizational elections and file tax returns.
Suggestions for further reform:
- Enacting laws to regulate internal party affairs.
- Mandating a minimum quota of tickets for women candidates.
- Implementing state funding for elections.
Additional reform methods:
- Public pressure through petitions, publicity, and protests.
- Citizen participation in political parties for internal change.
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