Question

Which among the following is not a recognised national party in India?

• A. Aam Aadmi Party
• B. Communist Party of India (Marxist)
• C. Telugu Desam Party
• D. Bahujan Samaj Party

Hint:

National Party status is dynamic. For example, in 2023, the TMC, NCP, and CPI lost their national status, while the AAP gained it. Always check the latest ECI notifications before an exam.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: In India, the Election Commission of India (ECI) grants "National Party" status based on specific criteria related to electoral performance across multiple states. If a party fails to maintain these benchmarks, its status can be downgraded to a "State Party."

Step 1: Criteria for National Party Status.
To be recognized as a National Party, a political group must fulfill at least one of the following:
• Win at least 2% of seats in the Lok Sabha from at least three different states.
• Secure at least 6% of the total valid votes in four or more states in a Lok Sabha or Assembly election, and win at least four Lok Sabha seats.
• Be recognized as a "State Party" in at least four states.

Step 2: Analyzing the current status of the listed parties.
As of the most recent updates from the Election Commission:
• Aam Aadmi Party (AAP): Recognized as a National Party following its performance in the Gujarat and Goa elections.
• CPI(M): Maintains its status as a recognized National Party.
• Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP): Remains a recognized National Party.
• Telugu Desam Party (TDP): It is a powerful regional party primarily active in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, but it is currently recognized only as a State Party, not a National Party.

Step 3: Conclusion.
The TDP does not meet the "four-state" recognition or the requisite national vote share to be classified as a National Party in the current list provided by the ECI.