Question

Consider the following statements regarding political parties in India.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was founded by Syama Prasad Mukherjee in 1980.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was founded by Arvind Kejriwal and Anand Kumar in 2012.

The National People’s Party (NPP) is recognized as a National Party with the symbol of a book.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

• A. 1 and 2 only
• B. 2 and 3 only
• C. 1 and 3 only
• D. 1, 2, and 3

Answer 1

Answer:

B. 2 and 3 only

Indian Polity and Elections: Political Parties in India

• Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP):
  • The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was not founded in 1980 by Syama Prasad Mukherjee.
  • It was formed in 1980 from the ashes of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, which was founded by Syama Prasad Mukherjee in 1951.
  • The Jana Sangh merged with several other parties to form the Janata Party in 1977. After the Janata Party's collapse, the BJP was formed as its successor.
  • Key Leaders: Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Lal Krishna Advani, Narendra Modi.
• Aam Aadmi Party (AAP):
  • The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was founded in 2012.
  • Its prominent founders include Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia. Anand Kumar was also an early member, but the primary founders are Kejriwal and Sisodia.
  • The party emerged from the India Against Corruption movement.
• National People’s Party (NPP):
  • The National People’s Party (NPP) is recognized as a National Party by the Election Commission of India.
  • It was founded by Purno Agitok Sangma.
  • Symbol: The symbol allotted to the NPP is a book.
  • The NPP is primarily based in the northeastern states of India.
• Recognition of National Parties:
  • Political parties are recognized as 'National Parties' or 'State Parties' by the Election Commission of India based on their performance in elections.
  • Criteria for a National Party include securing a minimum percentage of votes and winning a minimum number of seats in Lok Sabha or State Legislative Assemblies over successive general elections.
  • As of recent data, there are multiple recognized National Parties in India, including the INC, BJP, BSP, CPI(M), NCP, NPP, and AAP.