Political Parties Class 10 Civics Chapter 4 Notes

The Role and Necessity of Political Parties

Political parties are highly visible institutions in a democracy.
Many ordinary citizens equate democracy with political parties.
Even in remote areas, less educated citizens may be aware of political parties, even if they are not knowledgeable about the Constitution or government.
Despite their visibility, political parties are often criticized and blamed for the problems in democracy and politics.
Political parties are closely associated with social and political divisions.
A century ago, few countries had political parties, but today, most countries have them.

Meaning Of Political Party

Definition: A political party is a collective group of individuals who join forces to participate in elections and gain control of the government. They unite around specific policies and programs aimed at advancing the welfare of society.
Persuasion: As different people may have varying opinions about what is in the best interest of society, political parties try to convince the public that their policies are superior to those of other parties. They aim to secure popular support through elections to implement their proposed policies.
Reflecting Divisions: Political parties reflect the fundamental political divisions within a society. They represent a portion of the population and are inherently partisan. The party is recognized by the part of society it stands for, the policies it advocates, and the interests it champions.
Components: A political party consists of three main components:
- Leaders: The individuals who hold prominent positions within the party and often guide its direction.
- Active Members: The dedicated members who actively participate in the party’s activities and campaigns.
- Followers: The general public who support the party’s ideals and vote for its candidates during elections.

Functions of Political Parties

Contesting Elections:
- In democracies, political parties put forward candidates for elections.
- Candidates are selected through methods like party members’ votes (e.g., the USA) or top party leaders’ decisions (e.g., India).
Policy Formation:
- Parties present various policies and programs.
- Voters choose from these options.
- Parties help consolidate diverse opinions into a few key positions, guiding government policies.
Lawmaking:
- Parties play a vital role in making laws.
- Legislators, mostly from political parties, follow party directions over personal opinions when debating and passing laws.
Government Formation:
- Parties form and run governments.
- They appoint leaders as ministers to implement policies as per the party’s agenda.
Opposition Role:
- Parties that lose in elections become the opposition.
- They voice dissent, criticize the government’s actions, and mobilize against it.
Shaping Public Opinion:
- Parties raise and emphasize important issues.
- Their extensive memberships and activist networks influence public opinion.
- They often lead movements to address society’s problems.
Access to Government Services:
- Parties provide citizens with access to government resources and welfare programs.
- Local party leaders are often more accessible to ordinary citizens than government officials.
- Parties must be responsive to people’s needs to maintain support for the next elections.

The Necessity of Political Parties in Modern Democracies

Political parties are essential for the functioning of modern democracies. Here’s why:

Policy Promises: Without political parties, every candidate in elections would be independent. They couldn’t make any promises about major policy changes. This would lead to uncertainty about the government’s agenda.
Accountability: While elected representatives might be accountable to their local constituents, no one would be responsible for how the entire country is governed. There would be a lack of coordinated decision-making at the national level.
Non-party Elections: In places with non-party elections, like some panchayats, the village often splits into different factions, each presenting its candidates. This factional approach resembles what political parties do at a larger scale.
Global Prevalence: Political parties are found in almost all countries worldwide, regardless of size, age, or development status. They have become a fundamental part of representative democracies.
Rise of Representative Democracies: The rise of political parties is closely linked to the emergence of representative democracies. Large, complex societies require a mechanism to gather diverse views, present them to the government, and create responsible governments.
Support and Restraint: Political parties bring together representatives to support or restrain the government, make policies, and justify or oppose them. They fulfill the essential needs of any representative government.

The Number of Political Parties in a Democracy

In a democracy, any group of citizens can form a political party. Each country has numerous registered political parties, but not all of them are serious contenders in elections. Typically, only a few parties have a real chance of winning elections and forming a government. The question arises: how many major or effective parties are suitable for a democracy?

One-Party Systems: In some countries, only one party is permitted to control and run the government. While people are technically free to form parties, the electoral system doesn’t allow for genuine competition. This is not a democratic option, as true democracy must allow at least two parties to compete fairly for power.
Two-Party Systems: In some countries, power often alternates between two main parties. Other parties may exist, contest elections, and win some legislative seats, but only the two main parties have a substantial chance of securing a majority to form a government. Examples include the United States and the United Kingdom.
Multi-Party Systems: When several parties compete for power, and more than two parties have a reasonable chance of coming to power on their own or in alliances, it’s termed a multi-party system. India is an example of such a system, where the government is formed by various parties coming together in a coalition. These coalitions are known as alliances or fronts.

The choice of the party system is influenced by a country’s unique circumstances, such as its social and regional divisions, political history, and electoral system. It cannot be changed rapidly. Each country develops a party system that suits its specific conditions. For instance, India has a multi-party system because it must accommodate the social and geographical diversity of such a large nation. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, as no system is ideal for all countries and situations.

Popular Participation in Political Parties

Political parties are often criticized for their perceived unpopularity and citizens’ indifference toward them. However, the evidence, based on extensive surveys, provides a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between citizens and political parties, particularly in India:

Trust in Political Parties:
- Political parties do not enjoy a high level of trust among the people in South Asia, including India. A significant proportion of respondents express ‘not much’ or ‘no’ trust in political parties.
- This lack of trust in political parties is not unique to South Asia but is a common trend in democracies worldwide. Political parties tend to be among the least trusted institutions globally.
Participation in Political Parties:
- Despite the lack of strong trust in political parties, participation in party activities is relatively high.
- The proportion of individuals who claim to be members of a political party is higher in India than in several advanced countries, including Canada, Japan, Spain, and South Korea.
- Over the past three decades, the percentage of individuals identifying as members of political parties in India has steadily increased.
Feeling ‘Close’ to Political Parties:
- The proportion of individuals who report feeling ‘close to a political party’ has also seen an increase in India over this period.

National Parties in a Federal Democracy

In democracies that follow a federal system, it is common to have two types of political parties: those that are present in only one of the federal units and those that are present in several or all units of the federation. India, as a federal democracy, is no exception to this norm. The political landscape in India is diverse, characterized by a mix of regional and national parties. This note will focus on the concept of national parties in India and the criteria for their recognition.

Definition of National Parties: National parties in India are political organizations that operate across multiple states. These parties maintain consistent policies, programs, and strategies across the country, which are decided at the national level. They have units in various states and participate in elections at both the state and national levels.

Recognition by the Election Commission: Every political party in India must register with the Election Commission, the independent body responsible for overseeing elections. While the Commission treats all parties equally, it provides certain privileges and special facilities to larger and well-established parties. These privileges include the assignment of a unique election symbol that only official candidates of that party can use. Parties that receive these privileges and special facilities are officially recognized by the Election Commission and are termed “recognised political parties.”

Criteria for Recognition: The Election Commission has established specific criteria for a political party to be recognized. The criteria are based on the proportion of votes and seats a party obtains in elections. There are two levels of recognition:

State Party: A party is recognized as a state party if it secures at least six percent of the total votes in an election to the Legislative Assembly of a state and wins a minimum of two seats in that assembly.
National Party: To qualify as a national party, a party must secure at least six percent of the total votes in Lok Sabha (the lower house of India’s Parliament) elections or Assembly elections in four different states and win a minimum of four seats in the Lok Sabha.

Recognized National Parties in 2019: In 2019, India had seven recognized national parties. Each of these parties plays a significant role in the country’s political landscape. These national parties are:

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): A right-leaning party with a strong presence across India.
Indian National Congress (INC): One of the oldest political parties in India, known for its centrist ideology.
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP): Focused on the rights of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP): A party with a presence in multiple states, founded in the late 1990s.
Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)): A left-leaning party with a stronghold in a few states.
Communist Party of India (CPI): A left-wing party, distinct from the CPI(M).
All India Trinamool Congress (AITC): A party founded in West Bengal, known for its regional strength.

These national parties are essential components of India’s democratic landscape, contributing to the diversity and vibrancy of its political system. They influence policies and decision-making at both the state and national levels, reflecting the multifaceted nature of Indian democracy.

1. All India Trinamool Congress (AITC)

Foundation and Leadership: All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) was launched on 1st January 1998, under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee, a prominent Indian politician. Mamata Banerjee has been a key figure in Indian politics and served as the Chief Minister of West Bengal.
Recognition: AITC achieved national party status in 2016, making it one of the officially recognized national parties in India.
Party Symbol: The party’s symbol is that of flowers and grass, which is used by its official candidates during elections.
Ideological Commitments:
- Secularism: AITC is committed to the principle of secularism, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a state that does not favor any particular religion and ensures equal treatment for all religious communities.
- Federalism: The party supports federalism, which advocates for a decentralized system of government in which individual states or regions have significant powers and autonomy.
Electoral Success in West Bengal: AITC has been in power in the state of West Bengal since 2011. This long-standing presence in West Bengal signifies the party’s significant influence in the state’s political landscape.
Regional Presence: In addition to West Bengal, AITC also has a presence in other Indian states, including Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Tripura. This regional outreach demonstrates the party’s ambition to expand its influence beyond its home state.
Performance in 2019 General Elections: During the General Elections held in 2019, AITC garnered 4.07 percent of the total votes and won 22 seats in the Lok Sabha, making it the fourth-largest party in terms of seats in the lower house of India’s Parliament. This performance highlighted the party’s growing significance on the national stage.

2. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)

Formation and Leadership: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) was founded in 1984 under the leadership of Kanshi Ram, and it continues to be a significant political force in India.
Party Symbol: The party’s symbol is that of an elephant, which is used by its official candidates during elections.
Mission and Objective: The BSP’s primary mission is to represent and empower the “bahujan samaj,” a term used to collectively describe marginalized communities in India. This includes the dalits (Scheduled Castes), adivasis (Scheduled Tribes), OBCs (Other Backward Classes), and religious minorities. The party seeks to secure political power for these marginalized groups and advance their interests.
Inspirational Figures: The BSP draws inspiration from the ideas and teachings of prominent social reformers and leaders such as Sahu Maharaj, Mahatma Phule, Periyar Ramaswami Naicker, and Babasaheb Ambedkar. These figures played pivotal roles in advocating for the rights and social upliftment of oppressed communities in India.
Core Beliefs: The BSP stands firmly for the cause of securing the interests and welfare of dalits and other oppressed people, with a focus on addressing their socio-economic and political issues.
Geographical Presence: While the party is active in various parts of India, its main base of support is in the state of Uttar Pradesh. It also has a substantial presence in neighboring states such as Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, and Punjab.
Political Strategy: The BSP has formed the government in the state of Uttar Pradesh multiple times. Its strategy has often involved forming alliances or taking the support of different political parties to gain power in the state.
2019 Lok Sabha Elections: In the Lok Sabha elections held in 2019, the BSP secured about 3.63 percent of the total votes and won 10 seats in the Lok Sabha. This performance underscored the party’s influence and the support it continues to garner among its target constituencies.

3. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)

Foundation and Historical Background: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was founded in 1980. It emerged from the revival of the erstwhile Bharatiya Jana Sangh, originally formed by Syama Prasad Mukherjee in 1951. This historical connection reflects the party’s deep-rooted ideological origins.
Party Symbol: The party’s symbol is that of a lotus, which is used by its official candidates during elections.
Vision and Inspiration: The BJP envisions building a strong and modern India by drawing inspiration from India’s ancient culture and values. It embraces the ideas of Deendayal Upadhyaya, including the concepts of integral humanism and Antyodaya, which advocate for the upliftment of the last person in society.
Cultural Nationalism (Hindutva): An essential element of the BJP’s political ideology is cultural nationalism, often referred to as ‘Hindutva.’ This ideology plays a significant role in the party’s conception of Indian nationhood and politics, emphasizing the cultural and religious aspects of India’s heritage.
Key Policy Positions:
- Jammu and Kashmir: The BJP has consistently advocated for the full territorial and political integration of Jammu and Kashmir with India, which culminated in the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, revoking the special status of the region.
- Uniform Civil Code: The party supports the implementation of a uniform civil code for all people living in the country, irrespective of their religious affiliations.
- Ban on Religious Conversions: The BJP has expressed concerns about religious conversions and has called for measures to address these issues.
Electoral Expansion: The BJP’s support base grew substantially in the 1990s. Originally limited to the northern and western regions of India, as well as urban areas, the party successfully expanded its influence to the southern, eastern, and northeastern regions, as well as rural areas.
Alliance Politics: The BJP came to power in 1998 as the leader of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which included several regional parties. This alliance-based approach has been instrumental in the party’s electoral strategies.
2019 Lok Sabha Elections: In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP emerged as the largest party with 303 members, securing a significant majority. This election result solidified its position as a dominant political force in India.
Current Government: The BJP currently leads the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at the central level, with its leader serving as the Prime Minister of India.

4. Communist Party of India (CPI)

Formation and Ideological Basis: The Communist Party of India (CPI) was established in 1925. The party adheres to the principles of Marxism-Leninism, secularism, and democracy. It draws inspiration from the Marxist and Leninist ideologies.
Party Symbol: The party’s symbol is that of “Ears of corn and sickle”, which is used by its official candidates during elections.
Key Stances:
- Secularism: The CPI is committed to secularism, advocating for a state that does not favor any particular religion and treats all religious communities equally.
- Democracy: The party accepts parliamentary democracy as a means of promoting the interests of the working class, farmers, and the underprivileged sections of society.
- Opposition to Secessionism and Communalism: The CPI is against secessionist movements and communalism, aiming to maintain national unity and social harmony.
Historical Split: The party experienced a significant split in 1964, which led to the formation of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI(M). This division weakened the CPI’s political influence in subsequent years.
Geographical Presence: While the CPI’s influence has waned over time, it still maintains a notable presence in several states, including Kerala, West Bengal, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. It continues to play a role in the political landscape of these regions.
Electoral Performance: The party’s electoral performance has gradually declined over the years. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the CPI secured less than 1 percent of the total votes and won only 2 seats in the Lok Sabha. This reflects its reduced electoral strength on the national stage.
Advocacy for Left Unity: The CPI advocates for the unity of all left-leaning parties to form a strong left front. This idea aims to consolidate the political influence of left-wing forces in the country.

5. Communist Party of India – Marxist (CPI-M)

Formation and Ideological Basis: The Communist Party of India – Marxist (CPI-M) was established in 1964. The party is rooted in the principles of Marxism-Leninism and is characterized by its commitment to socialism, secularism, and democracy. It opposes imperialism and communalism and advocates for a more just and equitable society.
Party Symbol: The party’s symbol is that of a hammer, sickle, and star, which is used by its official candidates during elections.
Key Stances:
- Socialism: The CPI-M advocates for socialist principles, emphasizing the importance of reducing economic inequalities and promoting the welfare of the working class and underprivileged sections of society.
- Secularism: The party supports secularism and a state that does not favor any particular religion, ensuring equal treatment for all religious communities.
- Democracy: The CPI-M accepts the democratic electoral process as a valuable means of achieving socioeconomic justice in India.
- Opposition to Imperialism: The party is critical of imperialism, opposing the influence of foreign powers in Indian affairs.
- Communalism: The CPI-M is against communalism, emphasizing the need for communal harmony and unity.
Geographical Presence: The CPI-M enjoys strong support in specific states, notably West Bengal, Kerala, and Tripura. Its influence is especially pronounced among various sections of the population, including the poor, factory workers, farmers, agricultural laborers, and the intelligentsia in these regions.
Economic Policy Critique: The CPI-M has been critical of India’s new economic policies, which facilitate the inflow of foreign capital and goods into the country. The party advocates for policies that prioritize self-reliance and domestic economic development.
Electoral Success in West Bengal: The CPI-M was in power in West Bengal without interruption for 34 years, making it one of the longest-serving governments in the state’s history.
2019 Lok Sabha Elections: In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the CPI-M secured approximately 1.75 percent of the total votes and won 3 seats. This result reflects the party’s continued but reduced presence on the national political stage.

6. Indian National Congress (INC)

Historical Significance: The Indian National Congress, popularly known as the Congress Party, is one of the oldest political parties in the world. Founded in 1885, it has played a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape of India.
Party Symbol: The party’s symbol is that of a hand with the palm facing upwards, which is used by its official candidates during elections.
Dominance in Indian Politics: For several decades after India’s independence from British colonial rule, the INC held a dominant position in Indian politics, both at the national and state levels. It has formed the central government multiple times and led many state governments.
Leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru: Under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru, the INC pursued the vision of establishing a modern, secular, and democratic republic in India. This era saw the early years of the Indian Republic characterized by a commitment to democracy, socialism, and secularism.
Political Rule: The INC was the ruling party at the center from India’s independence until 1977 and then from 1980 to 1989, with various prime ministers representing the party during these periods.
Electoral Decline: Beginning in 1989, the INC’s electoral support began to decline, but the party continued to maintain a presence throughout the country, crossing social divisions.
Centrist Ideological Orientation: The INC is often described as a centrist party, positioned between rightist and leftist ideologies. Its core values include secularism and a commitment to the welfare of weaker sections of society and minority communities.
Economic Reforms: The INC supports economic reforms but emphasizes that they should be carried out with a human touch, indicating a concern for social welfare and economic justice.
United Progressive Alliance (UPA): The INC played a leading role in the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government from 2004 to 2019. This alliance included various other parties and marked a significant period in Indian politics.
2019 Lok Sabha Elections: In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the INC secured 19.5 percent of the total votes and won 52 seats. This result showcased its continued presence and influence in Indian politics.

7. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)

Formation and Background: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) was established in 1999 as a result of a split within the Indian National Congress. It emerged as a distinct political entity with its own set of beliefs and objectives.
Ideological Foundations: The NCP’s ideology is built upon several key principles, including democracy, Gandhian secularism, equity, social justice, and federalism. These values guide the party’s approach to governance and policy.
Party Symbol: The party’s symbol is that of an analog clock showing the time at 10:10, which is used by its official candidates during elections.
Nationalism and Citizenship: The NCP advocates that high offices in the government should be reserved for natural-born citizens of the country. This stance reflects the party’s emphasis on safeguarding national interests.
Geographical Presence: The NCP is a prominent political force in the state of Maharashtra and has a significant presence in other states such as Meghalaya, Manipur, and Assam.
Coalition Partnerships: In the state of Maharashtra, the NCP forms a coalition government in alliance with the Indian National Congress. This partnership enables them to collectively govern the state.
United Progressive Alliance (UPA): The NCP has been a member of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) since 2004. This alliance involves various political parties working together to advance common objectives at the national level.
2019 Lok Sabha Elections: In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the NCP secured approximately 1.4 percent of the total votes and won 5 seats. This electoral performance reflects the party’s ongoing presence and influence in Indian politics.

State parties

State parties, also known as regional parties, play a significant role in India’s political landscape.
These parties are classified by the Election Commission as ‘State parties’ and are not limited to specific regions in terms of their ideology.
Some State parties, like the Samajwadi Party and Rashtriya Janata Dal, have a national-level presence and units in multiple states.
Others, such as the Biju Janata Dal, Sikkim Democratic Front, Mizo National Front, and Telangana Rashtra Samithi, strongly identify with their respective states.
Over the past three decades, the number and influence of State parties have grown, leading to increased political diversity in the Indian Parliament.
Prior to 2014, no single national party could secure a majority in the Lok Sabha on its own, necessitating alliances with State parties.
Since 1996, most State parties have had opportunities to participate in national-level coalition governments, bolstering federalism and democracy in India.

Challenges to political parties

Political parties are essential for democracy, but they often face criticism for their shortcomings.
Four key challenges for political parties:
1. Lack of internal democracy: Power tends to concentrate in a few leaders, with limited participation and transparency within the party.
2. Dynastic succession: Leadership positions are often inherited or controlled by a specific family, limiting opportunities for other party members.
3. Growing influence of money and muscle power: Parties prioritize winning elections, leading to the nomination of candidates with financial backing or even criminal backgrounds.
4. Lack of meaningful choice: Ideological differences among parties are decreasing, making it difficult for voters to find parties with significantly different policies or leaders.

Political Party Reform

Challenges in Political Party Reform:

Political parties face significant challenges and need reforms.
The willingness of political parties to reform is in question.
Reform efforts may be hindered by the leaders representing political parties.
The final decision-making power in a democracy often rests with party leaders.

Recent Efforts and Suggestions for Reform:

Amendments to the Constitution prevented elected representatives from changing parties to become ministers or for financial incentives, reducing defection.
The Supreme Court mandated that election candidates disclose property and pending criminal cases, enhancing transparency.
The Election Commission required political parties to hold organizational elections and file income tax returns.
Various suggestions for political party reform include regulating internal affairs, ensuring women’s representation, and state funding for elections.

Challenges and Considerations:

Legal solutions to political problems can be challenging and may lead to over-regulation.
Political parties are unlikely to pass laws they do not favor.

Ways to Reform Political Parties:

Pressure from the public, pressure groups, movements, and the media can influence parties to take up reforms.
Public participation is crucial for improving democracy; citizens should join political parties for better and more effective reforms.
The problem of ineffective politics can be resolved through more active and improved political participation.