Political Parties

Political parties have been central to democratic practices, influencing the rise of democracies, constitutional designs, and electoral politics. They set narratives, influence state policies, advocate for specific interests.

Political Party

• A political party is a group of people united to contest elections, hold government power, and promote collective societal goals.

• Characteristics of Political Parties:

  1. Shared policies and programs.

  2. Representation of social divisions and interests.

  3. Partisanship: Advocates for particular policies and societal groups.

Components of Political Parties

1. Leaders – Spearhead the party’s activities and decision-making.
2. Active Members – Participate in organizational activities and campaigns.
3. Followers – Support the party ideologically and electorally.

Functions of Political Parties

1. Contesting Elections:

   • Major elections are fought between candidates fielded by political parties.
   • Candidate selection differs:
     • E.g., USA: Party members nominate candidates.
     • India: Candidates are selected by top party leaders.

2. Policy Formulation:

   • Parties consolidate a multitude of societal views into coherent policies for governance.
   • Voters choose policies that align with their interests.

3. Legislation:

   • Laws are passed based on the majority party’s directives in legislatures.

4. Forming and Running Governments:

   • Parties recruit leaders, train them, and form the political executive.

5. Opposition Role:

   • Critique government policies and propose alternatives.

6. Shaping Public Opinion:

   • Highlight critical issues and guide societal perspectives.

7. Link Between Citizens and Governments:

   • Easier for citizens to approach local party leaders than bureaucrats.

Why Are Political Parties Necessary?

• Without political parties:
  • Governance becomes fragmented, as independent candidates lack collective accountability.
  • Forming stable and responsible governments becomes challenging.
• The rise of parties is tied to representative democracies, providing mechanisms to aggregate opinions, formulate policies, and maintain accountability.

Party Systems in Democracies

One-Party System

• Only one party dominates governance.
• E.g., China: The Communist Party is the sole authority.
• Critique: Undemocratic as it suppresses competition.

Two-Party System

• Power alternates between two major parties.
• E.g., USA (Democrats and Republicans) and UK (Labour and Conservative).

Multi-Party System

• Multiple parties compete for power, forming coalitions when necessary.
• E.g., India’s multi-party system with alliances like the NDA, UPA, and Left Front.

India’s Multi-Party System

• Reflects India’s social and geographical diversity.
• Though perceived as unstable, it ensures representation for diverse interests.

National Parties

• Recognized by the Election Commission based on vote share and seats.
• Criteria:
  • 6% votes in Lok Sabha or in Assembly elections in four states and four Lok Sabha seats.

Major National Parties

1. Indian National Congress (INC)

• Founded in 1885.
• Ideology: Secularism and welfare for weaker sections.
• Key Role: Dominated Indian politics post-Independence, leading the UPA coalition until 2019.

2. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)

• Founded in 1980.
• Ideology: Cultural nationalism and integral humanism.
• Achievements: Largest party in 2019 Lok Sabha elections with 303 seats.

3. Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)]

• Established in 1964.
• Ideology: Marxism-Leninism, socialism, and secularism.
• Strongholds: West Bengal, Kerala, and Tripura.

4. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)

• Founded in 1984 by Kanshi Ram.
• Represents Dalits, Adivasis, OBCs, and minorities.

5. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)

• Established in 2012.
• Focus: Accountability and good governance.
• Governs Delhi and Punjab.

6. National People’s Party (NPP)

• Founded in 2013 by P.A. Sangma.
• Focuses on education, employment, and empowerment in the North-East.

State Parties

• Also referred to as regional parties.
• Examples:
  • Samajwadi Party and Rashtriya Janata Dal: Have national organizational structures but succeed primarily in specific states.
  • Biju Janata Dal and Telangana Rashtra Samithi: Advocate state-specific identities.
• Significance:
  • Their strength in Parliament reflects India’s federalism.
  • Frequently part of coalition governments since 1996.

Challenges to Political Parties

1. Lack of Internal Democracy:

   • Concentration of power among top leaders.
   • Lack of transparency in decision-making and elections within parties.

2. Dynastic Succession:

   • Leadership positions often passed to family members, disadvantaging capable outsiders.

3. Money and Muscle Power:

   • Wealthy individuals and corporations influence candidate selection and policies.
   • Criminal elements often supported for electoral gains.

4. Lack of Ideological Distinction:

   • Major parties often lack significant ideological differences, limiting voter choices.

Reforming Political Parties

Existing Reforms

1. Anti-Defection Law:
   • Elected representatives lose their seats if they switch parties.
2. Mandatory Disclosures:
   • Candidates must declare assets and criminal records.
3. Election Commission Oversight:
   • Requires parties to hold internal elections and file income tax returns.

Suggested Reforms

1. Legal Regulations:
   • Enforce internal democracy within parties.
   • Mandate quotas for women in candidate lists and decision-making bodies.
2. State Funding:
   • Provide financial support for election campaigns to curb money power.
3. Grassroots Pressure:
   • Media, citizens, and movements can demand accountability and transparency.

Conclusion

• Necessity of Parties: Democracy cannot function without political parties as they bridge citizens and governance.
• Path Forward: Political parties must overcome challenges to remain credible and effective instruments of democracy.
• Role of Citizens: Active participation and informed voting can drive meaningful reform.