Chairperson Sonia Gandhi Leader in Lok Sabha Pranab Mukherjee (Finance Minister) Leader in Rajya Sabha Manmohan Singh (Prime Minister) Founded 1885 ECI Status National Party Alliance United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Seats in Lok Sabha 205 / 545 Seats in Rajya Sabha 70 / 250

One of the oldest parties of the world. Founded in 1885. Largest party with 145 members in the Lok Sabha elections in 2004. Played a dominant role in Indian politics at the national and state level. Under Jawaharlal Nehru’s leadership, the party sought to build a modern secular democratic republic in India. Ruling part at the centre from 1947-1977 and 1980-1989. A centrist party in its ideological orientations, the party espouses secularism and welfare of the weaker sections of the society. Supports new economic reforms but with a human face.

Chairperson Nitin Gadkari Leader in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj Leader in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley Founded 1980 ECI Status National Party Alliance National Democratic Alliance(NDA) Seats in Lok Sabha 116 / 545 Seats in Rajya Sabha 51 / 250

founded in October 21, 1951 by Syama Prasad Mookerjee as the political wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Singh. Wants to build a strong and modern India by drawing Inspirations from India’s ancient culture and values. Cultural nationalism or Hindutva is an important element in its conception of Indian nationhood and politics. Wants full territorial and political integration of J&K with India ,Ban on religious Conversions, Uniform civil code for all people living in the country Irrespective of religion. Came to power in 1998 as the leader of the NDA including state and regional parties. Lost elections in 2004 &now the Principal opposition party in the Lok Sabha.

MARXIST

Secretary-General Prakash Karat Leader in Lok Sabha Basudev Acharia Leader in Rajya Sabha Sitaram Yechuri Founded 1964 ECI Status Recognized Party Alliance Left Front Seats in Lok Sabha 16 / 545 Seats in Rajya Sabha 15 / 250

FOUNDED in 1964. Believes in Marxism-Leninism. supports socialism, secularism and democracy. Opposes imperialism and communalism. Accepts democratic elections as useful and helpful means for securing the objective of socio-economic justice in India. Holds strong support in West Bengal(30 years), Kerala and Tripura. Critical of the new economic policies that allow free foreign trade in the country. In 2004 Lok Sabha elections, it polled about 6 % votes and secured 43 seats.

BAHUJAN SAMAJ PARTY

Chairperson Mayawati Secretary-General Satish Chandra Mishra Leader in Lok Sabha Rajesh Verma Leader in Rajya Sabha Urmilesh Kumar Bharti Founded 1984 ECI Status National Party Political Position Center Seats in Lok Sabha 21 / 545 Seats in Rajya Sabha 18 / 250

Founded in 1984 under the leadership of Kanshi Ram. Seeks to represent and secure power for the party which included dalits, adivasis, OBC’s and religious minorities. Inspired from the ideas and teachings of Sahu Maharaj, Mahatma Phule, Periyar Ramaswami Naicker and Babusaheb Ambedkar. Main base in U.P and substantial presence in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Delhi and Punjab. Formed government in U.P several times. In 2004 Lok Sabha elections, it polled about 5% votes and secured 19 seats.

NATIONALIST CONGRESS PARTY

Formed in 1999. Supports democracy, Gandhian secularism, equity, social justice and federalism. Wants the high officials in government be confined to Indians. A major party in Maharashtra and significant presence in Meghalaya, Manipur and Assam. A coalition partner in Maharashtra in alliance with the Congress. Since 2004, a UPA member. In 2004 Lok Sabha elections, it polled about 1.80% votes and secured 9 seats.

Chairperson Sharad Pawar Founded 1999 Alliance United Progressive Alliance Political Position Center/ Center left Seats in Lok Sabha 9 / 545 Seats in Rajya Sabha 7 / 250