Question

Consider the following statements about recognition criteria for National Parties in India:

1. A party must secure at least 6% of valid votes in four or more states and win 4 Lok Sabha seats.

2. A party must win 2% of seats in Lok Sabha, with MPs from three or more states.

3. A party can become a national party by winning at least 10% votes at Lok Sabha elections.

Which of the statements are correct?

• A. 1 and 2 only
• B. 2 and 3 only
• C. 1 and 3 only
• D. All are correct

Answer 1

Answer:

A. 1 and 2 only

Recognition of Political Parties in India

• The Election Commission of India (ECI) recognizes political parties as National or State parties based on their performance in general elections.
• This recognition grants parties certain privileges, such as reserved election symbols and airtime on state-controlled media.

Criteria for National Party Recognition

• A political party can be recognized as a National Party if it fulfills any one of the following conditions:
  • Condition 1: Secures at least 6% of the valid votes polled in four or more states in a Lok Sabha general election or a State Legislative Assembly election, and additionally, wins at least 4 Lok Sabha seats.
  • Condition 2: Secures at least 2% of the total seats in the Lok Sabha general election, with MPs elected from three or more states.
  • Condition 3: Secures at least 6% of the valid votes polled in four or more states in a Lok Sabha general election or a State Legislative Assembly election, and additionally, wins at least 4 seats in the Lok Sabha. (This is similar to Condition 1, emphasizing the Lok Sabha wins).
  • Condition 4: A party that is recognized as a State Party in at least four states.
• Important Note: The conditions mentioned in the question relate to the rules as per the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968. The criteria are periodically reviewed and updated by the ECI.

Analysis of the Provided Statements:

• Statement 1 is correct as it aligns with one of the primary criteria for National Party recognition.
• Statement 2 is also correct as it represents another valid pathway to becoming a National Party.
• Statement 3 is incorrect because simply winning 10% of votes at Lok Sabha elections is not a standalone criterion for National Party status. The percentage of votes and seats, along with the number of states involved, are crucial.

Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams:

• Understand that there are multiple criteria for National Party recognition, and fulfilling just one is sufficient.
• Pay attention to the specific vote percentages, seat thresholds, and the number of states involved in each criterion.
• The distinction between Lok Sabha and State Assembly election performance is important.
• Be aware of the role of the Election Commission of India in recognizing political parties.