Political parties Notes in English Class 10 Political Science Chapter-4 Book-DEMOCRATIC POLITICS-II

 

Introduction

The role of political parties in democracy is very important. We have seen that these parties help in making constitution, conducting elections, forming and running the government. In this lesson we will understand the work of political parties and their need, especially in the context of India. We will know how many parties should there be in democracy, learn about national and regional parties, and also understand what are the shortcomings of parties and how they can be corrected.

Political parties: are they necessary?

• Political parties play an important role in the democratic system. 

• For ordinary citizens, democracy often means political parties. 

• If you talk to people from a remote village or people with less education, they may not know much about the constitution or the structure of the government. But they will surely know something about political parties.

• However, this recognition of political parties does not guarantee their popularity. Many people have negative opinions about political parties. 

• Political parties are often blamed for the shortcomings of democracy and socio-political divisions.

Are there any need for political parties?

The question is natural whether we need political parties. About 100 years ago, political parties existed in only a few countries of the world, but today the situation has completely changed. At present, political parties have wide influence and sway in almost every democratic country. These parties have become an integral part of the democratic system and play an important role from running the government to formulating policies. The presence of political parties has not only organized democracy but has also provided a platform to the people to present their views and demands effectively.

1. What are political parties and what do they do?

• Political parties are groups that organise people, contest elections and play an important role in forming or running governments. 

• These parties claim to fulfill the aspirations of the people through their ideologies and policies. 

• They try to understand the problems and expectations of the citizens and incorporate them in their policies. In this way, political parties act as a bridge between the public and the government in democracy.

2. Why are political parties necessary?

• Political parties are an important medium to convey the voice of the people to the government. 

• They raise the problems and issues of the public and try to solve them. 

• Also, political parties are the basis of the electoral process as they field candidates in elections, providing options for the public to choose from. 

• The party in power runs the government, while the opposition monitors its activities, thus maintaining a balance between the government and the opposition. 

• Apart from this, political parties also help in organizing the society and making effective policies for development. Thus, political parties play an important role in democracy and overall development of the society.

Meaning of Political Party 

• A political party is an organised group that tries to gain power by contesting elections and work for the collective interest of the society. Through its policies and programmes, this group tries to convince the public that its plans are the best.

• However, the idea of ​​"collective interest" may be different for everyone, and this is why political parties represent different classes or communities. A party is identified by its policies and its support base.

three parts of a political party

• Political parties are based on three main parts. 

• First, the leaders who are the face of the party and take decisions.

•  Second, active members who handle the day-to-day work of the party. 

• Third, supporters who support the party and believe in its ideology. 

• The party becomes successful only when these three work together.

Functions of a political party

• Participation in elections: Political parties field their candidates to contest elections in a democratic system. In India, candidates are selected by party leaders, while in the US, this task is done by party members and supporters.

• Election campaign and policies: During election campaign, political parties present their policies and programs before the public. They prepare the framework of policies for the government by uniting people with similar ideology.

• Role in the legislature: Most of the members in the legislature are associated with one or the other political party. These members cooperate in making laws as per the instructions of their party.

• Formation and functioning of government: After coming into power, political parties run the government by appointing their leaders as ministers and implement their policies.

• Role of Opposition: The parties that lose the elections play the role of opposition. These parties criticize the mistakes of the government and raise public issues.

• Shaping public opinion: Political parties initiate debates on societal issues, spread awareness, and contribute to shaping public opinion.

• Bridge between the public and the government: Political parties convey the problems of the citizens to the government and draw attention to their needs, thereby acting as an important link between the public and the government.

The need for political parties: Why are they essential?

Political parties are vital to democracy. To understand their role and contribution, it is important to think about how democracy would function without them.

If there are no political parties:-

1. Challenges of the election process:

• In the absence of political parties, all candidates would be independent, which would create many problems in the election process.

• Such candidates will not be able to make concrete promises to the public on major policy issues. 

• It will be possible to form a government, but its efficiency and stability will be questionable. 

• The elected representatives will be limited to their constituencies only, leaving no one to take responsibility at the national level.

2. Example of Panchayat elections:

• Political parties do not formally participate in panchayat elections, but villages divide themselves into camps and field their own panels of candidates. 

• This same process takes place on a large scale through political parties, which make democracy organized and stable.

Role of political parties:-

• Organisation of ideas: Political parties bring together different ideas and opinions in a democracy so that the voice of every section of society can be included. This is necessary in large societies, as it is not practical to include every individual's opinion directly.

• Uniting representatives: Political parties unite representatives elected from different places, creating a responsible and organized government.

• Policy Formulation and Monitoring: These parties not only formulate policies and support the government but also play an important role in monitoring and maintaining balance.

• Making democracy work smoothly: Political parties play a vital role in making democratic governance stable, organised and effective.

How many political parties should there be?

In a democracy, any group can form a political party. In a country like India, there are more than 750 parties registered with the Election Commission. But, only a few parties play an active role in electoral competition and the race to form the government. The question is how many parties are right for democracy?

1. One-party system

• In some countries only one political party is allowed to hold power, like China. 

• Elections in such a system do not allow free competition, as only one party is in power and other parties or candidates do not have the opportunity to participate.

• This one-party system cannot be considered democratic, because in it the public does not have any options to choose their representatives. 

• Due to this, proper representation of the wishes and ideas of the public is not possible.

2. Two party system

• In such countries, power usually alternates between two major parties. For example, the Democratic and Republican parties in the US, and the Labour and Conservative parties in Britain, dominate. 

• Other parties also exist in these countries, but only these two parties mainly compete to form the government. 

• This system provides political stability, but sometimes the views of other parties are not adequately represented.

3. Multi-party system

• Where multiple parties compete for power it is called a multiparty system, and India is a prime example of this. 

• In this system different parties come together and form a coalition and form the government. 

• In India, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), United Progressive Alliance (UPA), and Left Front are major examples. 

• A big advantage of this system is that different ideas and classes get proper representation.

• However, one disadvantage is that coalition governments are prone to political instability and confusion.

4. Which system is better?

• It is not easy to decide which party system is most appropriate, as it depends on a country's social structure, political history, and electoral system. 

• Multiparty system is necessary in India, because only 2-3 parties cannot handle the cultural and social diversity here. 

• Every country develops its own party system according to its circumstances and needs, so that there is a balance between its people and the governance system.

National parties of India

National parties in India are political parties that are active across the country and whose policies are implemented at the national level. To become a national party, a party has to fulfil the criteria set by the Election Commission.

Characteristics of National Parties:

National parties are characterized by their organizational structure being spread across the country. They have the privilege of a separate election symbol, which makes them easily recognizable. National parties follow policies and programs decided at the national level, which are uniformly applicable throughout the country. As of 2023, there are six national parties in India, which play this role and influence the political landscape of the country.

1. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)

• Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was founded in 2012 following an anti-corruption movement. 

• The main ideology of this party is based on accountability, transparency, and good governance.

• In its short span, the party achieved significant political success by forming governments in Delhi and Punjab.

• In the 2019 Lok Sabha election, the party made its presence felt in national politics by winning 1 Lok Sabha seat.

2. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)

• Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) was founded in 1984 by late Kanshi Ram. 

• Its ideology focuses on the interests of Dalits, tribals, backward classes and minorities. 

• The party draws its inspiration from the thoughts of Shahu Ji Maharaj, Mahatma Phule, and Baba Saheb Ambedkar. 

• The main influence area of ​​BSP is Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. 

• The party has shown its political strength by forming the government four times in Uttar Pradesh. 

• In the 2019 general elections, BSP got 3.63% votes and won 10 Lok Sabha seats.

3. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)

• The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was founded in 1980 as a reorganisation of the old Jana Sangh. 

• Its ideology is based on Hindutva, cultural nationalism, and holistic humanism. 

• The party has achieved significant milestones in its political journey, including winning 303 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. 

• Furthermore, the Bharatiya Janata Party remains the dominant political force in India, leading the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

4. Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M)

• The Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] was founded in 1964. 

• Its ideology is based on Marxism–Leninism, socialism, and secularism. 

• The main influence of the party is seen in states like West Bengal, Kerala, and Tripura. 

• However, in the 2019 general elections, the party got 1.75% of the votes and won 3 Lok Sabha seats. 

• CPI(M) holds an important place in the left-wing politics of India.

5. Indian National Congress(INC)

• The Indian National Congress (INC), India's oldest political party, was founded in 1885.

•  Its ideology is based on centrist, secularism, and support for weaker sections. 

• The Congress Party has ruled India for decades since independence in 1947 and played a dominant role in the country's political landscape.

•  From 2004 to 2014, the party led the United Progressive Alliance (UPA).

•  However, in the 2019 general elections, the Congress got 19.5% of the votes and won 52 Lok Sabha seats.

6. National People's Party (NPP)

• The National People's Party (NPP) was founded in 2013 by P.A. Sangma.

• This party is mainly active in North-East India. 

• Its ideology is based on education, employment, and empowerment of society. 

• The NPP has made its significant political presence felt by forming the government in Meghalaya. 

• In the 2019 general elections, the party made its mark at the national level by winning 1 Lok Sabha seat.

Regional Parties: Their Role in Indian Politics

Regional parties are political parties that are considered influential in one or a few states. These parties are recognised as state parties by the Election Commission. Although they are called "regional", some have a national political outlook.

1. Characteristics of regional parties:

• Some political parties, such as the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), have a national-level organisational structure and attempt to establish their presence across the country. 

• On the other hand, parties like the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), and Mizo National Front (MNF) focus on their regional identity and represent the issues and interests of their respective states. 

• Thus, both national and regional parties play different roles in Indian politics.

2. Importance of regional parties:

• The number and influence of regional parties has increased significantly over the past three decades. 

• Until 2014, no national party got an absolute majority in the Lok Sabha, due to which the national parties had to form alliances. 

• Since 1996, almost every regional party has had the opportunity to be part of the national coalition government, which has strengthened diversity and federalism in Indian democracy. 

• The presence of regional parties has made the Parliament more representative and diverse. These parties effectively raise the problems and issues of their states and communities and ensure their voice is heard in the Parliament.

Issues of Political Parties and Solutions:

Challenges for political parties

• Lack of internal democracy: Centralization of leadership and lack of transparency is common in parties. Lack of transparency in membership lists and internal elections prevents ordinary workers from being involved in decision-making.

• Dynasty: Dynasty in parties makes it difficult for ordinary workers to reach the top level. Dynasty brings inexperienced people into leadership, thereby weakening democratic processes.

• Influence of money and crime: The use of money and criminal elements is increasing in elections. Rich people influence policies by donating money, which affects clean politics.

• Lack of options: The difference in the policies of political parties is decreasing, due to which the public does not have any solid options. The movement of leaders in different parties makes the situation more complicated.

Reforming Political Parties: Solutions and Suggestions

1. Solution:

• Internal democracy: Parties must ensure transparent membership and internal elections, so that qualified workers can reach the leadership.

• End dynasty: The problem of dynasty has to be reduced by giving equal opportunities to capable and hardworking workers.

• Influence of money and crime: Electoral reforms must bring in financial transparency and prevent the involvement of criminals.

• Ideological diversity: Parties should bring ideological diversity in their policies so that the public gets better options.

2. Efforts made so far:

• Anti-defection law: The condition of giving up the seat prevented defection.

• Disclosure of assets and criminal records: Supreme Court makes it mandatory to seek details from candidates.

• Organisational elections and income tax returns: The Election Commission has made these mandatory, but they often remain a formality.

3. Suggestions for improvement:

• Creating independent authorities to enforce internal democracy.

• Providing 33% reservation to women and giving them more representation.

• Partial support from the government to bring transparency in election expenditure.

4. Challenges:

• Parties do not show interest in implementing reforms.

• Abuse of rules to circumvent new laws.

• Lack of political will and monitoring mechanisms.

5. Other improvements:

• Public pressure: Pressure for reforms can be created through the public, media and movements.

• Active participation: More people need to come into politics and work towards bringing about positive change.