National Party Status
Why in news : After winning 5 seats and with vote share of 13% in Gujarat Assembly Elections the AAM Aadmi Party ( AAP) has become a national party in India.
What is a national party ?
- The Election Commission of India has laid down specific criteria in order to be recognized as a national party.
- However the national party tag once achieved is not permanent.
- A party may gain or lose its national party status from time to time depending on the criteria.
- The ECI’s political parties and Election Symbols, 2019handbook contains the criteria to be selected as a National Party :
They are :
- If it is recognized as a state party in atleast 4 states.
- If the party secures six percent of valid votes polled in any four or more states at a general election to the Lok Sabha or to a legislative assembly, and, in addition, it wins four seats in the Lok sabha from any state or states.
- If it wins 2 percent of seats in the Lok sabha at a general election; and these candidates are elected from three states.
Benefits associated on getting declared as a National Party :
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- Their election symbols are reserved for use by their candidates across the country.
- They are eligible to get land in Delhi to build a party office.
- They can have upto 40 star campaigners whose expenditure on campaigning and travel is not added to the candidate’s spending limit.
How many National Parties are there in India :
- As of now there are 8 National Parties in India.
- They are BJP, Congress, TMC, CPI(M), CPI, NCP, BSP and NPP.
- Once the official results of Gujarat elections are announced then AAP becomes the ninth national party.
Syllabus : Prelims + Mains; GS2- Indian Polity
