DEMOCRATIC POLITICS POLITICAL PARTIES Presented by S.K.GUPTA T.G.T.(S.St.) O.F.D.R., PUNE

Objectives * Understand the vital role of struggle in the expansion of democracy. * Analyse party systems in democracies. * I ntroduction to major political parties in the country. * Analyse the role of social movements and non –party political formations.

Meaning, A political party is an organized group of citizens who profess to share the same political views and who by acting as a political unit, try to control the government. - GILCHRIST CHARACTERISTICS of Political Parties ( I ) An organized group of persons ( II ) Similar views on political and economic problems of the country ( III ) Aim to control the government by constitutional and peace means ( IV ) Their aim is to promote national interest and not any sectional interest

FUNCTIONS OF POLITICAL PARTIES 1.They educate the masses, through their meetings and propaganda, about the various problems facing the country at a particular time. They helps in the formation of public opinion. 2. They fight elections and try to get the maximum number of their candidates elected. 3. The party which gets an absolute majority in the legislature, forms the government and runs the administration of the country. 4. Other parties form the opposition. They criticise the wrong policies of the government and check it form becoming despotic. 5. Political parties give political education to the people. 6. They serve as a link between the government and the people. 7.They serve as a link between the Legislature and Executive organs of Government.

CONDITIONS FOR NATIONAL POLITICAL PARTY Through an order issued on December 2, 2002 by Election Commission If the party secures 6% of the valid votes polled in any four or more states in the lasts Lok Sabha election or Assembly election in four states ; and in addtion it wins at four seats in Lok Sabha from any one or more states. OR It wins at least 2% seats in Lok Sabha (11 Seats in the existing Lok Sabha which 543 members ) and these members are elected from at least there states.

MAJOR NATIONAL POLITICAL PARTIES National Party Symbol 1.Bhartiya Janta Party Lotus ( BJP ) 2.Bahujan Samaj Party Elephant ( BSP ) 3.Communist Party of Ears of corn India ( C PI ) and sickle 4.Communist Party of Hammer, Sickle India ( C PM ) and Star 5.Indian National Congress Hand (Congress- I ) 6.Nationalist Congress Clock Party ( NCP )

REGIONAL POLITAL PARTIES IN INDIA PARTY RESERVED SYMBOL 1Assam Gan Parishad Elephant 2Telugu Desam Party Bicycle 3DMK Rising Sun 4All-India Anna DMK Two Leaves 5Shiv Sena The Bow and Arrow 6National Conference Plough 7Shiromani Akali Dal Scales 8Rastriya Janta Dal Lalten 9Samajwadi Party Cycle

CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIAN PARTY SYSTEM 1.Absence of Specific Constitutional Provision - Article 19(C) All citizens shall have the right to form associations or unions. 2.Multiple Party system – In 2006 – national parties -6; regional parties -35, non – recognised parties – 612, 3.End of one Dominant Party System - 4.Rise of Effective Opposition Party - 5.Independent Members - 6.Lack of Continuous Contact with the Masses - 7.Personality Cult - 8.Absence of Clear-cut Ideology - 9.Criminalisation of Politics – 10.Existence of many Cummunal and Regional Parties - -

ROLE OF SOCIAL MOVEMENTS IN POLITICS 1.Peasant movements 2.Trade Union Movement 3.Women's Movement in India 4.Backward Class Movement in India