Explore Our Affordable Courses

Click Here
View Categories

Recognition of National and State Political Parties in India: Importance, Benefits and Criteria

3 min read

In India, the recognition of political parties as national or state entities by the Election Commission plays a crucial role in the electoral process. This recognition is based on the parties’ poll performances and grants them various privileges, which are essential for their functioning. Unrecognized parties, on the other hand, are classified as registered unrecognized parties, lacking the benefits afforded to recognized parties.

Recognition of National and State Political Parties in India

Registration and Recognition of Political Parties by the Election Commission of India: Based on poll performances, the Election Commission of India registers political parties as national or state parties for elections and grants them recognition. Other parties are declared as registered unrecognized parties.

Need of recognition for Parties

  • Right to certain privileges-
  • Access to electoral rolls.
  • Provision of time for political broadcasts on the state-owned television and radio stations.
  • Allocation of the party symbols.

Allocation of Party Symbols-

  • National party-This party is  allotted a symbol exclusively reserved for its use throughout the country.
  • State party-This party has an exclusive reserved symbol for its use in the state or states in which it is  recognised as a state party.
  • Registered-unrecognised party-They select their symbol from a list of free symbols (other than the  symbols reserved for recognised parties).

Role of proposers and star campaigners

  • Recognized Parties: They need only one proposer to file the nomination. They are allowed to have forty star campaigners during elections.
  •  Registered-Unrecognized Parties: They are allowed to have only twenty-star campaigners.
  • The expenses of these star campaigners are not included in the election expenditure of the candidates.

Conditions for Recognition as a National Party

  • A party is recognized as a national party upon fulfillment of any of the following conditions- 

unnamed 33

    • At Present, current National Parties:
    • Indian National Congress
    • Bhartiya Janata Party
    • Communist Party of India ( Marxist )
    • Aam Aadmi Party
    • Bahujan Samaj Party
    • National Peoples Party

Conditions for Recognition as a State Party

  • A party is recognized as a state party in a state if it fulfills any of the following criteria-

unnamed 34

Necessity of Registration with the Election Commission of India

  • Not Mandatory for All Associations: It is not required for every association to register with the Election Commission. Only those groups identifying as political parties and intending to utilize the provisions of Part IV-A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, must register.

Benefits of Registration with the Election Commission of India

  • Preference in Symbol Allotment: Candidates fielded by registered political parties receive priority in the allotment of free symbols compared to independent candidates.
  • Potential for Recognition: Registered political parties can achieve recognition as a “State Party” or “National Party” by fulfilling the criteria set by the Election Commission in the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.
  • Exclusive Symbol Allotment: A recognized State Party is entitled to exclusive use of its reserved symbol in the states where it is recognized, while a National Party can use its symbol throughout India.
  • Simplified Nomination Process: Recognized parties only require one proposer to file nominations.
  • Access to Electoral Rolls: Recognized parties receive two sets of electoral rolls free of cost.
  • Broadcast and Telecast Facilities: Registered parties are eligible for broadcast and telecast facilities over Akashvani/Doordarshan during general elections.

Difference Between Registered Parties and Recognised Parties

Aspect Registered Parties Recognised Parties
Definition
  • Political parties registered under the Representation of the People Act (RP Act).
  • Political parties that meet criteria under The Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.
Requirements
  • Must submit a memorandum/constitution declaring allegiance to the Constitution, principles of socialism, secularism, democracy, and national unity.
  • Must win seats or obtain a required vote percentage in elections.
Legal Benefits
  • Tax exemptions on donations
  • Common symbol for elections
  • Twenty ‘star campaigners’ during election campaigns
  • Reserved symbols during elections
  • Forty ‘star campaigners’ during elections
Number of Parties
  • 2,764 active registered political parties in India, as per the Election Commission of India (ECI).
  • Currently, six national parties and fifty four parties are recognized by the ECI.
Purpose of Registration
  • Ensures adherence to democratic principles and upholds the sovereignty and integrity of the country.
  • Provides strategic advantages in elections, enhancing visibility and credibility.
Consequences of Registration
  • Offers legal benefits and a framework for parties to operate within the bounds of the Constitution.
  • Recognised parties often have greater influence in shaping electoral outcomes due to their established status.

 

Must Read
Current Affairs Editorial Analysis
Upsc Notes  Upsc Blogs 
NCERT Notes  Free Main Answer Writing

Conclusion

Recognized parties have distinct advantages, such as exclusive symbols and simplified nomination processes, which enhance their electoral prospects. 

  • With currently six national parties and several state parties, recognition significantly influences their visibility and credibility in elections. 
  • Overall, the framework provided by the Election Commission supports a healthy democracy by promoting accountability and transparency within political parties.
Related Articles 
Election Commission of India Making Of The Indian Constitution
Indian National Congress: Formation and Debates Indian Democracy

 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

THE MOST
LEARNING PLATFORM

Learn From India's Best Faculty

      

 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

Quick Revise Now !
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

<div class="new-fform">







    </div>

    Subscribe our Newsletter
    Sign up now for our exclusive newsletter and be the first to know about our latest Initiatives, Quality Content, and much more.
    *Promise! We won't spam you.
    Yes! I want to Subscribe.