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Notes

Political Parties

Definition/Introduction

A political party is defined as an organized group of people who share similar political beliefs and work together to influence government policy and decision-making.

Constitutional Provisions

  • **Article 19(1)(c)**: Guarantees the right to form associations or unions.
  • **Article 324**: Provides for the superintendence, direction, and control of elections by the Election Commission of India.

    • Historical Evolution

    Political parties in India have evolved significantly since the pre-independence era. The Indian National Congress was formed in 1885 as a platform for the political voices of the Indian populace. Following independence, multiple parties emerged reflecting various ideologies, such as socialism, communism, and regionalism.

    Classification/Types

    1. **National Parties**: These parties secure at least 6% of the total votes in Lok Sabha elections and win at least 4 seats.

    2. **State Parties**: These parties secure at least 6% of the total votes in Assembly elections and win at least 2 seats.

    3. **Registered Parties**: Parties that are registered with the Election Commission but do not qualify as national or state parties.

    Important Provisions/Features

  • Political parties must be registered with the Election Commission to contest elections.
  • They must adhere to the rules laid down by the Election Commission.
  • Financial transparency is mandated for political parties under the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

    • Landmark Judgments

  • **Indira Gandhi vs. Raj Narain (1975)**: The Supreme Court ruled that the election of the Prime Minister was not beyond judicial review.
  • **Kihoto Hollohan vs. Zachillhu (1992)**: The Supreme Court upheld the anti-defection law, ensuring party discipline among legislators.

    • Amendments

  • **52nd Amendment (1985)**: Introduced the 10th Schedule to prevent defection of members from one political party to another.
  • **61st Amendment (1988)**: Reduced the voting age from 21 to 18 years.

    • Comparison Tables

    | Feature | National Party | State Party |

    |------------------------|-------------------------------------|-----------------------------------|

    | Vote Requirement | At least 6% in Lok Sabha elections | At least 6% in Assembly elections |

    | Seat Requirement | At least 4 seats | At least 2 seats |

    UPSC Exam Focus

  • National vs. State parties: often tested as questions regarding their definitions and criteria.
  • Historical evolution of parties: significance of INC and BJP in the post-independence era.
  • Landmark judgments related to political parties and electoral processes are frequently asked.

    • ---

    Political parties are crucial in shaping democratic governance, and understanding their structure, evolution, and legal framework is essential for UPSC aspirants.

    Key Concepts

    Political Party: An organization of people who share similar political beliefs and work to influence government policy.

    Article 19(1)(c) - Right to form associations or unions.

    Article 324 - Superintendence, direction, and control of elections by the Election Commission.

    National Party: A political party that secures at least 6% of the total votes in Lok Sabha elections and wins 4 seats.

    State Party: A political party that secures at least 6% of the total votes in the Assembly elections and wins 2 seats.

    Registered Party: A political party that is registered with the Election Commission but does not fulfill the criteria for national or state party.

    Indian National Congress (INC) - Founded in 1885, led the Indian independence movement.

    Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) - Formed in 1980, known for its emphasis on Hindutva.

    Important Facts

    • •[1885] Indian National Congress foundedHistorical significance as the primary party leading the independence movement.
    • •[1980] Bharatiya Janata Party formedKnown for its emphasis on Hindutva and significant in Indian politics.
    • •[1985] 52nd Amendment introduced anti-defection lawCreated provisions to prevent legislators from switching parties.
    • •[1988 (61st Amendment)] Voting age reduced to 18Expanded the electorate and is a frequently tested fact.
    • •[1950] Election Commission's role establishedCrucial for conducting free and fair elections in India.
    • •[1951] Political parties must be registeredMandatory under the Representation of the People Act.

    Mnemonics & Memory Tricks

    Types of Political Parties

    NPS: National, State, Registered.

    Key Amendments Related to Elections

    52-61: 52nd for anti-defection, 61st for voting age.

    Major Political Parties in India

    INC, BJP, CPI - The three pillars of Indian politics.