Why in News- Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) may lose its national party status with no elected MPs in Lok Sabha and its vote share falling to 2.04% in the general election.
National Party and State Party
National Party
A national party has a significant presence and influence across the country.
The criteria for a party to be recognized as a national party by the Election Commission of India include:
Vote Share: Obtaining at least 6% of the total valid votes polled and at least four MPs in four or more states in the last general election.
Lok Sabha Seats: Winning at least 2% of the seats in Lok Sabha, with the winners being from at least three different states.
State Party Recognition: Being recognized as a state party in at least four states.
State Party
A state party is a political party that has a significant presence and influence in a particular state.
The criteria for recognition as a state-level party include:
Vote Share and MLAs: Obtaining at least 6% of the total valid votes in a state and at least two MLAs.
Lok Sabha Votes: Obtaining at least 6% of the total valid votes cast in the state in the last Lok Sabha elections and at least one MP from that state.
Assembly Seats: Winning at least 3% of the total seats in the assembly or three seats, whichever is higher.
MP Allocation: Having at least one MP for every 25 seats allotted to that state in the Lok Sabha.
Vote Share in Lok Sabha: Obtaining at least 8% of the total valid votes in the last Lok Sabha election in that particular state or assembly election.
Benefits of being recognized as a National/State Party
Benefits of being recognized as a National Party
- Guaranteed use of a common election symbol for candidates across the country.
- Allotment of land or accommodation for office in Delhi.
- Free copies of the voter list.
- Alloted airtime on Doordarshan and All India Radio during elections.
Benefits of recognition as a state party
- Free copies of the voter list in their respective states.
- Alloted broadcasting in regional centers of public broadcasters. Current National Parties in India
As per the latest recognition by the Election Commission, six political parties are recognized as national parties:
- Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
- Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)
- Indian National Congress (INC)
- Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)
- National People’s Party (NPP)
- Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM)
Criteria for National and State Party Status
National Party Criteria
As per the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968, a political party must fulfill at least one of the following criteria to be recognized as a national party:
Vote Share: Secure at least 6% of the total valid votes and at least four MPs in four or more states in the last general election.
Seats in Lok Sabha: Win at least 2% of seats in the Lok Sabha, with winners from at least three states.
State Party Recognition: Be recognized as a state party in at least four states.
State Party Criteria
To be recognized as a state party a party must fulfill at least one of the following criteria:
Vote Share and MLAs: Get at least 6% of the total valid votes polled in a state and at least two MLAs.
Vote Share in Lok Sabha: Get at least 6% of the total valid votes cast in the state in the last Lok Sabha elections and at least one MP from that state.
Assembly Seats: Win at least 3% of the total seats in the Assembly or three seats, whichever is higher.
MP Allocation: There must be at least one MP for every 25 seats allotted to that state in the Lok Sabha.
Vote Share: Get at least 8% of the total valid votes polled in the last Lok Sabha election in that particular state or Assembly election.
Constitutional Provisions Relating to Elections
The Constitution of India provides a broad framework for the conduct of elections.
Important articles include:
Article 324: Establishes the Election Commission and empowers it to supervise, direct, and control elections to Parliament, State Legislatures and the offices of President and Vice-President.
Article 326: Provides for universal adult suffrage, which gives the right to vote to every citizen above the age of 18 years irrespective of caste, creed, or religion.
Representation of the People Act, 1951
This Act provides for the following, such as qualifications and disqualifications, specifies eligibility criteria and grounds of disqualification for members of Parliament and State Legislatures.
Conduct of Elections: Outlines the procedures for the conduct of elections, including the nomination process, the role of political parties, and the resolution of electoral disputes.
Election Offences and Corrupt Practices: Defines various electoral offenses and corrupt practices, including bribery, undue influence, and booth capturing.
Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968
This order regulates the recognition of political parties and the allotment of election symbols.
The main provisions include:
Criteria for national and state parties: A political party must have Set out the conditions required for being recognized as a national or state party.
Allotment of symbols: Details the process for reservation and allotment of symbols to political parties and independent candidates.
Review process: Specifies the periodic review process to assess the performance of recognized political parties.
Foundation and recognition of BSP
Founded in April 1984: The BSP was founded by Kanshi Ram, a prominent leader advocating the rights of Dalits and other marginalized communities in India.
Mayawati as successor: Kanshi Ram later named Mayawati as his successor, who has been a central figure in the party’s leadership ever since.
National party recognition
Recognition in 1997: The BSP was recognized as a national party in 1997, reflecting its significant influence and presence in Indian politics.
Amendments to the Election Symbol Order
Post-2014 election amendments
Amendments in 2016: The Election Symbol Order was amended in 2016, effective from January 1, 2014.
Review period extension: This amendment states that a party’s national or state recognition will not be reviewed in the first election after the one in which they received the status, i.e. the first review will be after 10 years.
All parties, including the BSP, benefited greatly from this change.
Political influence and strategy
Influence on policy: Both national and state parties have significant influence on policy-making at their respective levels, allowing them to shape law and governance according to their ideologies and the needs of their constituencies.
Strategic alliances: Recognition as a national or state party enhances the ability to form strategic alliances and coalitions, increasing political leverage and the ability to participate effectively in coalition governments.
Access to resources
Funding and donations: Recognised parties have better access to funding and donations due to their formal status and credibility.
Organizational strength: Recognition helps to build a strong organizational structure, attract dedicated members, and expand party activities.