Political Parties

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Need for Political Parties

• Visible Face of Democracy:
  • Political parties are the most visible institution of democracy.
  • Ordinary citizens engage in democracy by casting votes for their favorite party.
• Purpose and Composition:
  • Political parties form to contest elections and hold governmental power.
  • They agree on policies, creating opinions for social good and persuading people.
• Implementation of Policies:
  • Policies are implemented by seeking support from the people, leading to electoral victories.
  • The ability to garner public support is crucial for translating policies into action.
• Representation of Social Divisions:
  • Political parties represent social divisions and foster partisanship.
  • They enable individuals to take a side on specific issues, aligning with party ideologies.
• Components of a Political Party:
  • A political party consists of leaders, active members, and followers.
  • These components play diverse roles in shaping the party’s direction and influence.
• Democratic Engagement:
  • Political parties are essential for citizens to actively participate in governance.
  • Understanding the significance of political parties empowers individuals to make informed decisions.

Functions of Political Parties

• Election Contestation:
  • Political parties contest elections by providing candidates with party names and symbols.
  • Voters choose their representatives by comparing various programs and policies presented by these parties.
• Aggregation of Ideas:
  • With a large diversity of ideas among the populace, parties streamline them into a few basic options.
  • This simplification aids in presenting clearer choices for voters.
• Legislative Influence:
  • Political parties, with many of their members in legislatures, play a pivotal role in lawmaking.
  • The majority of legislators from a party often contribute to the formulation of laws.
• Government Formation:
  • Winning the majority in the house enables parties to form and run the government.
  • This governance involves the implementation of policies supported by the party.
• Role of Opposition:
  • When parties lose the legislative majority, they assume the role of the opposition.
  • Opposition parties monitor government functions, critiquing and highlighting misuse of power and resources.
• Shaping Public Opinion:
  • Political parties actively shape public opinion by raising and highlighting critical issues.
  • They utilize active members and pressure groups as extended arms to launch movements when necessary.
• Active Monitoring:
  • Parties, whether in power or opposition, constantly monitor government functions.
  • Criticism and scrutiny help ensure accountability and responsible governance.
• Access to Government Machinery:
  • Parties provide people access to government machinery and welfare schemes.
  • This strategy aims to garner public support, enhancing their chances of winning future elections.

Necessity of Political Parties

• Absence of Majority and Government Formation:
  • Without political parties, independent candidates with diverse opinions may emerge.
  • This scenario would lead to a lack of majority in the legislative house, making government formation challenging.
  • Elected candidates might be accountable for their constituencies, but there would be no organized accountability for running the country.
• Division of Public Support and Lack of Opinion Shaping:
  • The absence of political parties could result in the division of public support among various factions.
  • In situations like panchayats without political party interference, there may be no unified entity to shape public opinion.
  • Political parties provide a platform for well-researched analyses, aiding people in forming opinions and making informed choices.
• Effective Presentation of Issues:
  • Societies are complex, and opinions on various matters are diverse.
  • Political parties serve as crucial agencies that aggregate and present diverse issues to the government in a well-organized and effective manner.
• Link Between Political Parties and Representative Democracy:
  • The rise of political parties is closely linked to the development of representative democracy.
  • In large-scale societies, representative democracy becomes necessary as ordinary citizens cannot actively participate in the day-to-day affairs of the government.
  • Political parties act as intermediaries, representing the diverse interests and opinions of the populace in the democratic process.

How Many Parties Should We Have?

• Constitutional Right to Form Associations:
  • In a democracy like India, the constitution grants the “Right to the formation of association.“
  • This right has led to the registration of around 750 political parties under the Election Commission of India.
• Active Participation and Popularity:
  • Despite the large number of registered parties, only a few actively engage in democratic politics.
  • Over time, a select number of parties have gained popularity among citizens, highlighting the significance of active participation and public support in the democratic process.

One Party System

• Single Dominant Party:
  • Only one political party is legally allowed to hold power.
  • Other parties may exist, but their influence is limited, and they usually don’t compete effectively.
• Political Monopoly:
  • The ruling party typically controls the government, legislature, and key institutions.
  • Limited political pluralism and opposition, often leading to a lack of checks and balances.
• Examples:
  • China: The Communist Party of China (CPC) is the only legal party, and it holds a dominant position in the political landscape.

Two Party System

• Two Dominant Political Parties:
  • Two major parties dominate the political scene.
  • Other smaller parties may exist, but they face challenges in gaining significant influence.
• Alternation of Power:
  • Power alternates between the two major parties through elections.
  • This system often results in a more stable and predictable political environment.
• Examples:
  • United States: The Democratic Party and the Republican Party are the two major political parties, and they dominate the electoral landscape.

Multi Party System

• Several Political Parties:
  • Multiple parties actively participate and compete in elections.
  • No single party consistently dominates, and the government may be formed through coalitions.
• Diverse Representation:
  • Offers a broader representation of political ideologies, interests, and social groups.
  • Coalitions are often formed to achieve a majority in the legislature.
• Examples:
  • India: With numerous parties like the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Indian National Congress, and regional parties, India operates under a multi-party system.
• When no party in a multi-party system wins majority, they proceed to:
  • Coalition Building: Parties often engage in negotiations to form coalitions or alliances to collectively achieve a majority.
  • Hung Parliament: The absence of a clear majority results in a hung parliament, where no single party or coalition has enough seats to control the legislative process.

Types of Political Parties

• Types of Parties in Federal Systems:
  • Democracies with a federal system typically have two types of parties: state parties limited to specific federal units and national parties with a presence across most states.
• Registration and Equal Treatment:
  • Every political party must be registered with the Election Commission.
  • The Election Commission treats all parties equally but provides special facilities, such as unique symbols, to larger parties.
• National and State Party Distinction:
  • State parties operate within the boundaries of specific federal units or states.
  • National parties have a broader presence across multiple states and play a significant role in central government formation.
• Recognized Political Parties:
  • Election Commission recognizes parties as “recognized political parties” based on specific criteria.
  • These recognized parties enjoy privileges, including unique symbols, and must meet criteria related to votes and seats obtained in elections to attain this status.

National Parties

• National Presence and Role:
  • National parties operate on a broad scale, influencing governance and opposition at the national level.
  • They actively engage in highlighting issues and shaping public opinion on matters of national interest.
• Conditions for National Party Status:
  • A political party must secure a minimum of six percent of total votes in either the Lok Sabha election or the Assembly election in four states.
  • The party should also win a minimum of four seats in the Lok Sabha election.
• Significance in National Elections:
  • These conditions emphasize the significance of a party’s performance on both a percentage vote share and a seat-winning basis in major national elections.

National Parties in India

• Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)
  • Election Symbol: Broom
  • Formation: Founded by Arvind Kejriwal in 2012 after a split of opinion with Anna Hazare following the anti-corruption movement in 2011.
  • Presence: Significantly present in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, etc.
  • Ideology: Promotes the ideology of nationalism, populism, secularism, and socialism.
  • Current Status: Ruling government in Delhi and Punjab; Arvind Kejriwal serves as its national convener.
• Indian National Congress (INC)
  • Election Symbol: Hand
  • Formation: Established in 1885.
  • Presence: Nationwide presence with historical significance.
  • Ideology: Traditionally centrist, advocating for secularism, social democracy, and inclusiveness.
  • Current Status: Holds seats in various states and at the national level; Mallikarjun Kharge is the party’s president.
• Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
  • Election Symbol: Lotus
  • Formation: Founded in 1980.
  • Presence: Nationwide presence with significant influence.
  • Ideology: Emphasizes nationalism, conservatism, and Hindutva.
  • Current Status: Ruling party at the national level and in several states; Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister.
• Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)
  • Election Symbol: Elephant
  • Formation: Founded by Kanshi Ram in 1984.
  • Presence: Strong in Uttar Pradesh and has contested in other states.
  • Ideology: Focuses on the rights of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes.
  • Current Status: Has held power in Uttar Pradesh; Mayawati is a prominent leader.
• Communist Party of India (Marxist) – CPI(M)
  • Election Symbol: Hammer, Sickle, and Star
  • Formation: Established in 1964.
  • Presence: Strong in states like Kerala, West Bengal, and Tripura.
  • Ideology: Marxist-Leninist principles, advocating for socialism and secularism.
  • Current Status: Has been in power in certain states; Sitaram Yechury is a notable leader.
• National People’s Party (NPP)
  • Election Symbol: Book
  • Formation: Founded by P. A. Sangma in 2013.
  • Presence: Primarily in northeastern states.
  • Ideology: Focuses on regional development and tribal rights.
  • Current Status: Has been part of coalition governments in northeastern states; Conrad Sangma is a prominent leader.

State Parties

• Definition: A
  • State party in India operates within the confines of a specific state or union territory.
  • It focuses on addressing regional issues and representing local interests.
• Recognition Criteria:
  • To be recognized as a state party, a political party must meet criteria set by the Election Commission.
  • Criteria often include securing a minimum percentage of votes or winning a specific number of seats in state legislative elections.
• Role in Governance:
  • State parties play a crucial role in the federal structure, contributing to the representation and governance of individual states.
  • They ensure that regional concerns are adequately addressed within the broader framework of the country.

State Parties of India

• Shiv Sena
  • Base: Maharashtra
  • Formation: Founded in 1966 by Bal Thackeray.
  • Ideology: Originally formed for the rights of Maharashtrians, it later evolved into a party with a Hindutva agenda.
  • Significance: Strong presence in Maharashtra; has been part of state governments and coalition at the center.
• Telugu Desam Party (TDP)
  • Base: Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
  • Formation: Established in 1982 by Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR).
  • Ideology: Initially focused on Telugu pride; later aligned with regional development and economic policies.
  • Significance: Played a key role in Andhra Pradesh politics; has formed governments in the state.
• Trinamool Congress (TMC)
  • Base: West Bengal
  • Formation: Founded in 1998 by Mamata Banerjee.
  • Ideology: Originally formed as an anti-communist party; focuses on regional development and cultural identity.
  • Significance: Dominant force in West Bengal politics; currently the ruling party in the state.
• DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam)
  • Base: Tamil Nadu and Puducherry
  • Formation: Established in 1949 by C. N. Annadurai.
  • Ideology: Dravidian nationalism, social justice, and linguistic pride.
  • Significance: A major player in Tamil Nadu politics; has been part of state and central governments.
• Biju Janata Dal (BJD)
  • Base: Odisha
  • Formation: Founded in 1997 by Naveen Patnaik.
  • Ideology: Focused on regional development, welfare, and identity issues.
  • Significance: Dominant in Odisha politics; consistently forms the state government.
• Samajwadi Party (SP)
  • Base: Uttar Pradesh
  • Formation: Established in 1992 by Mulayam Singh Yadav.
  • Ideology: Socialist, secular, and focused on social justice.
  • Significance: Influential in Uttar Pradesh politics; has formed the state government.

Regional Parties

• Geographical Focus:
  • Regional parties operate within specific geographical regions, such as states or union territories.
  • They prioritize addressing issues and representing interests unique to their designated areas.

• Localized Concerns:
  • These parties are typically formed to address localized concerns, cultural identities, and regional aspirations.
  • Their agendas often revolve around issues specific to the region they represent.

• Limited Geographical Influence:
  • Unlike national parties, regional parties have a limited geographical influence, primarily operating within the boundaries of a particular state or region.
  • They play a crucial role in ensuring that the diverse needs and identities of various regions are adequately represented in the political landscape.

Challenges to Political Parties

• Lack of Internal Democracy:
  • Decision-making within parties is often centralized among a few influential leaders.
  • Parties may not conduct regular internal elections or maintain membership registers, limiting transparency and involvement of ordinary members.

• Dynastic Succession:
  • Top positions and decisions in parties are often dominated by members of specific families.
  • This practice promotes inexperienced candidates with family ties, hindering the transparent rise of capable individuals from within the party.

• Role of Money, Muscle, and Power:
  • During elections, parties may prioritize candidates with financial and influential backgrounds.
  • Big corporations and industrialists may contribute significant funds to party coffers, potentially influencing policy decisions.

• Lack of Meaningful Choice:
  • Declining ideological differences among parties reduce meaningful choices for voters.
  • Political leaders frequently switching parties and widespread corruption practices further limit the clarity of party orientations, reducing the range of meaningful choices available to the public.

Reforms in a Political Party

• Legislative Measures:
  • Anti-Defection Laws: The introduction of anti-defection laws through constitutional amendments aims to curb the practice of elected representatives switching parties for personal gains. This discourages defection by dismissing the candidature of representatives involved in such actions.
  • Affidavits for Transparency: The Supreme Court mandates candidates to submit affidavits detailing their property and pending criminal cases. This information is made public to reduce the influence of money and muscle power in politics.
  • Internal Elections and Income Tax Filing: The Election Commission has made it mandatory for parties to conduct internal elections and file income tax returns. This ensures transparency in party operations and financial accountability.
• Suggested Reforms:
  • Regulation of Internal Affairs: Proposals suggest enacting laws to regulate the internal affairs of political parties. This includes maintaining membership registers, adherence to party constitutions, and establishing independent authorities to resolve internal disputes.
  • Gender Representation: Recommendations include making it mandatory for parties to allocate one-third of election tickets to women candidates. Additionally, there should be quotas for women in the decision-making bodies of the party to promote gender diversity.
  • State Funding of Elections: Advocates propose state funding of elections, wherein the government provides equal resources or cash to all parties. This aims to prevent excessive spending by larger parties, promoting a more level playing field for smaller parties in election contests.
• People’s Advocacy and Pressure:
  • Petitions and Publicity: Citizens can actively engage in raising awareness and garnering support for political reforms through petitions, social media campaigns, and other forms of publicity. This puts pressure on political parties to address public concerns and adopt necessary reforms.
  • Agitations and Protests: Organizing peaceful agitations and protests can be a powerful tool to express public dissatisfaction with the functioning of political parties. Mass movements can influence parties to take reforms seriously, fearing a loss of public support.
  • Public Sentiment Impact: If political parties perceive that they may lose public support without adopting reforms, they are more likely to prioritize these changes, recognizing the importance of aligning with public sentiment.
• Active Participation of Reform-Minded Individuals:
  • Joining Politics for Change: Individuals who advocate for reforms can actively participate in politics to bring about the desired changes from within. By becoming part of political processes, these reform-minded individuals can influence decision-making and contribute to better policies.
  • Enhancing Democracy through Participation: The quality of democracy is directly linked to the degree of public participation. Those seeking reform can play a crucial role in improving the political landscape by actively engaging in political activities, thereby contributing to the development of better policies.
  • Addressing the Problem at Its Source: Actively participating in politics allows reform-minded individuals to address the root causes of issues within political parties. By working within the system, they can bring about changes that align with democratic principles and public welfare.