Why parties exist, types of party systems, major Indian parties, and party reforms
A political party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in government. They agree on some policies and programmes for society and try to implement them when elected.
| System | Features | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| One-party system | Only one party allowed to govern; no democratic competition; authoritarian | China, North Korea, Cuba |
| Two-party system | Two major parties dominate politics; voters essentially choose between two | USA (Democrat/Republican), UK (Labour/Conservative) |
| Multi-party system | Many parties compete; coalition governments common; more diverse representation | India, France, Italy, Germany |
A party is recognised as "National" by the Election Commission of India if it wins at least 2% of Lok Sabha seats from at least 3 different states OR wins 6% of votes in at least 4 states in general elections.
| Party | Full Name | Founded | Ideology |
|---|---|---|---|
| INC | Indian National Congress | 1885 | Centre-left, secularism, democratic socialism |
| BJP | Bharatiya Janata Party | 1980 | Right-wing, Hindu nationalism (Hindutva), economic liberalism |
| BSP | Bahujan Samaj Party | 1984 | Dalit rights, social justice, founded by Kanshi Ram |
| CPI(M) | Communist Party of India (Marxist) | 1964 | Left-wing, Marxism, secularism |
| NCP | Nationalist Congress Party | 1999 | Centre-left; Sharad Pawar founded it after splitting from INC |
Many powerful regional parties operate within one or two states but form crucial coalition partners at the national level:
• Lack of internal democracy: Leaders of parties do not practice democracy within the party; inner-party elections rarely held
• Dynastic succession: Top leadership positions pass to family members (son/daughter of leader) — not merit-based
• Money and criminals in politics: Rich candidates dominate; criminals with "muscle power" win elections
• Ideology vs. opportunism: Parties shift positions for electoral gains, not principle
• Anti-defection law: Elected representatives cannot switch parties after winning (reduced "horse-trading")
• Election Commission rules: Parties must hold inner elections, file accounts
• RTI (Right to Information): Citizens can demand information about party funding
• Election funding reforms: Debates on state funding of elections to reduce money power
• Citizens' pressure: Civil society groups, media, social movements push parties to be more accountable