The political parties in India are recognized by the Election Commission of India (ECI). The ECI is a constitutional body established under the Constitution of India, responsible for the superintendence, direction, and control of elections to the Parliament, State Legislatures, and offices of the President and Vice-President of India
. The recognition process involves classifying parties as national or state parties based on specific criteria related to their electoral performance. National parties must fulfill conditions such as securing a certain percentage of votes in multiple states or winning a specified number of seats in the Lok Sabha. State parties have their own criteria based on vote shares and seats won in state elections
. Recognition by the Election Commission grants parties privileges like reserved party symbols, free broadcast time on state-run media, consultation in election scheduling, and input in electoral rules. Registered parties that do not meet recognition criteria are classified as unrecognized but can contest elections after registration with the ECI
. In summary:
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Who recognizes political parties in India?
The Election Commission of India. -
What does recognition entail?
Classification as national or state party based on election performance, granting privileges such as reserved symbols and media access. -
Basis of recognition:
Electoral performance in Lok Sabha and state assembly elections according to prescribed criteria.
This system ensures a regulated and standardized recognition of political parties across India
