Contemporary India - I: Political Parties – CBSE NCERT Study Resources

Political parties are essential for democratic governance. In India, parties like the Indian National Congress and BJP have shaped policies since independence.

• Parties contest elections (e.g., 2019 Lok Sabha polls).
• They form governments (e.g., BJP-led NDA in 2014).
• Opposition parties ensure accountability (e.g., Congress opposing farm laws).

Parties address issues like unemployment and healthcare, as seen in AAP’s Delhi education reforms. Our textbook shows how they link citizens to the government.

National parties (e.g., BJP, Congress) operate nationwide, while regional parties (e.g., DMK, Shiv Sena) focus on states.

• National parties: BJP won 303 seats in 2019.
• Regional parties: TMC dominates West Bengal.
• Alliances: NDA includes regional parties like JD(U).

Regional parties advocate for local issues (e.g., TRS for Telangana statehood). Our textbook highlights their role in federalism.

Parties face issues like corruption and dynastic politics, as seen in the 2G scam.

• Internal democracy: Few parties hold elections (e.g., CPI(M)).
• Money power: High election costs (2019 polls spent ₹60,000 crores).
• Criminalization: 43% MPs in 2019 had criminal cases.

Reforms like RTI and electoral bonds aim to address these. Our textbook discusses the need for transparency.

Parties use media and campaigns to shape views, like BJP’s ‘Sabka Saath’ slogan.

• Mass rallies: Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra.
• Social media: AAP’s WhatsApp campaigns.
• Manifestos: Congress’ NYAY scheme promise.

They highlight issues like farmer protests. Our textbook shows how opinions affect voting patterns.

Reforms like EVMs were introduced to reduce rigging, but challenges remain.

• State funding: Reduce corporate donations.
• Inner-party democracy: Mandatory elections (e.g., CPI(M)).
• Transparency: Disclosure of funding sources.

The 2013 Supreme Court ruling on NOTA was a step forward. Our textbook emphasizes ethical practices.

Historical Context
Parties face issues like corruption, as seen in the 2G scam.

Key Developments

• Dynastic politics (e.g., Congress).
• Money power (e.g., electoral bonds).
• Defections (e.g., Goa MLAs in 2017).

Socio-economic Impact
These challenges weaken trust in democracy.

Current Relevance
Recent reforms like anti-defection laws aim to address these issues.

Historical Context
National parties (e.g., BJP, Congress) focus on national issues, while regional parties (e.g., DMK, Shiv Sena) prioritize states.

Key Developments

• BJP's Hindutva vs. DMK's Dravidianism.
• Congress' secularism vs. Shiv Sena's Marathi pride.

Socio-economic Impact
Regional parties demand state-specific policies (e.g., Telangana formation).

Current Relevance
Coalitions like NDA show their interdependence.

Historical Context
Opposition ensures accountability, as seen during the Emergency (1975-77).

Key Developments

• Exposes scams (e.g., Rafale debate).
• Proposes alternatives (e.g., GST revisions).

Socio-economic Impact
They voice marginalized concerns (e.g., farmer laws protest).

Current Relevance
Opposition unity in 2024 elections highlights their role.

Historical Context
Reforms are needed to reduce corruption, as seen in the Anna Hazare movement.

Key Developments

• Internal democracy (e.g., BJP's membership drive).
• Transparency (e.g., RTI for parties).

Socio-economic Impact
Reforms can improve governance (e.g., Aadhaar-linked welfare).

Current Relevance
Recent debates on electoral bonds show reform urgency.

Political parties are vital for democracies, as we studied in Class 10. They represent people's interests and form governments.

• Parties contest elections (e.g., BJP, Congress).
• They shape policies (e.g., GST, Farm Laws).
• Opposition ensures accountability.

Parties influence welfare schemes (e.g., MNREGA). However, corruption and dynastic politics remain challenges.

Recent state elections show their role in governance. NCERT highlights their necessity for a functioning democracy.

National parties operate across India, while regional parties focus on states, as per NCERT.

• National: BJP (Hindutva), Congress (Secularism).
• Regional: DMK (Tamil Nadu), Shiv Sena (Maharashtra).

Regional parties advocate state-specific issues (e.g., TMC for Bengal). National parties unify diverse interests.

Recent trends show coalitions relying on regional parties, like AAP in Punjab.

Parties face issues like corruption and lack of internal democracy, as we studied.

• Dynastic politics (e.g., Gandhi family in Congress).
• Money power in elections (e.g., Electoral Bonds).
• Criminalization (e.g., MPs with cases).

This erodes public trust, affecting governance.

NCERT suggests reforms like transparency in funding to address these.

India follows FPTP system, where parties compete for votes.

• Parties campaign (e.g., BJP's 2019 'Modi Wave').
• Alliances matter (e.g., Mahagathbandhan in 2020 Bihar).

Parties target voter groups (e.g., farmers, youth).

Recent state polls show regional parties gaining ground, as NCERT predicts.

Parties use media and campaigns to influence voters.

• Social media (e.g., BJP's digital campaigns).
• Rallies (e.g., Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra).
• Manifestos (e.g., AAP's free electricity promise).

This shapes policies and voter choices.

NCERT emphasizes their role in democratic participation.

In a democracy like India, political parties play a crucial role in shaping governance and representing the people's will. Their primary functions include:

• Representation: Parties represent the interests of different groups, such as farmers, workers, or minorities, ensuring their voices are heard in policymaking. For example, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) advocates for Dalit rights.
• Policy Formulation: They develop and promote policies, like the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s focus on economic reforms or the Indian National Congress (INC)'s emphasis on social welfare schemes.
• Political Participation: Parties encourage citizens to vote, contest elections, and engage in debates, strengthening democracy.
• Accountability: Opposition parties monitor the ruling party, ensuring transparency and preventing misuse of power.

Without political parties, democracies would lack organized decision-making and public representation, leading to chaos. Their role is indispensable for a functioning democracy.

Two major national political parties in India are the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (INC). Here's a comparison:

• Ideology: The BJP follows Hindutva and emphasizes cultural nationalism, while the INC promotes secularism and inclusive growth.
• Economic Policies: The BJP supports free-market reforms (e.g., GST, privatization), whereas the INC focuses on welfare schemes (e.g., MNREGA, food subsidies).
• Foreign Policy: The BJP prioritizes strong ties with allies like the USA and Israel, while the INC historically leaned towards non-alignment and relations with developing nations.

Despite differences, both parties aim for India's development and uphold democratic values. Their competition ensures a balance of power and diverse perspectives in governance.

In a democracy like India, political parties play a crucial role in shaping governance and representing the people's will. They act as a bridge between the government and citizens, ensuring that diverse opinions are heard and addressed.

Functions of Political Parties:

• Representation: They represent the interests of different groups in society, such as farmers, workers, or minorities.
• Policy Formation: Parties develop and promote policies and programs to address national issues.
• Government Formation: They contest elections to form governments and implement their agendas.
• Opposition Role: Parties not in power act as watchdogs, holding the ruling party accountable.
• Political Education: They educate citizens about their rights, duties, and political processes.

Challenges Faced by Political Parties:

• Lack of Internal Democracy: Many parties are dominated by a single leader or family, limiting member participation.
• Money and Muscle Power: Elections often involve unfair use of wealth or force, undermining fairness.
• Dynastic Politics: Leadership is often inherited, reducing opportunities for new leaders.
• Defections: Frequent switching of parties by elected representatives weakens trust.
• Regionalism: Some parties focus only on regional issues, neglecting national unity.

Despite these challenges, political parties remain essential for a functioning democracy. Reforms like transparency in funding and internal elections can strengthen them further.

In a democratic country like India, political parties play a crucial role in shaping governance and representing the people's will. Their primary functions include:

• Representation: Political parties represent the interests of different groups in society. For example, the Indian National Congress (INC) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) represent diverse ideologies and voter bases.
• Policy Formation: They formulate policies and agendas, such as the National Education Policy (NEP) or economic reforms, which guide the government's actions.
• Political Participation: Parties encourage citizens to participate in elections, debates, and decision-making processes, strengthening democracy.
• Accountability: They hold the government accountable by criticizing failures and proposing alternatives, ensuring transparency.

Their significance lies in providing stability, organizing governance, and bridging the gap between citizens and the state. Without parties, democracy would lack direction and coherence.

In a democracy like India, political parties play a crucial role in representing the interests of the people and ensuring the smooth functioning of the government. Political parties act as a bridge between the citizens and the government by voicing public concerns and demands.

Here’s how they contribute:

• Representation: They represent diverse groups and ideologies, giving people a choice in elections.
• Policy-making: Parties formulate policies and agendas, which become the basis for governance if they win elections.
• Public opinion: They educate and mobilize voters through campaigns, rallies, and media, shaping public opinion on key issues.
• Accountability: Opposition parties keep the ruling party in check by criticizing policies and demanding transparency.

For example, parties like the Indian National Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party have historically influenced major policies like economic reforms and social welfare schemes. Thus, political parties are indispensable for a vibrant democracy.

National and regional political parties differ in their scope, influence, and objectives, though both are essential for India's democracy.

National Parties:
These parties have a presence across multiple states and focus on national issues. Examples include the Indian National Congress (INC) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Functions:

• Contest elections nationwide and aim to form the central government.
• Address pan-India concerns like defense, foreign policy, and economic growth.

Regional Parties:
These parties operate primarily in one state or region, focusing on local issues. Examples include Shiv Sena (Maharashtra) and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK, Tamil Nadu).
Functions:

• Advocate for state-specific demands like language, culture, or resource allocation.
• Play a key role in coalition governments at the center by representing regional interests.

While national parties ensure unity and broader governance, regional parties highlight local diversity, making Indian democracy inclusive.

In a democratic system like India, political parties play a crucial role in representing the people's will and ensuring smooth governance. Political parties act as a bridge between the government and citizens by voicing public concerns and demands.

Their roles include:

• Representation: Parties represent diverse ideologies, allowing citizens to choose leaders who align with their views.
• Policy Formation: They propose policies and programs, shaping the nation's development agenda.
• Public Opinion: Parties educate people through campaigns, rallies, and media, influencing their perspectives on key issues.
• Government Formation: After elections, the party (or coalition) with a majority forms the government, ensuring stability and accountability.

Additionally, parties provide a platform for political participation, encouraging citizens to engage in debates and decision-making. Without political parties, democracy would lack organization and direction, making governance chaotic.

In a democratic country like India, political parties play a crucial role in representing the people's will and ensuring the smooth functioning of the government. Political parties act as a bridge between the citizens and the government by voicing public concerns and demands.

Here’s how they contribute:

• Shaping Public Opinion: Parties educate the masses about national issues through campaigns, rallies, and media. They highlight key problems and propose solutions, helping voters make informed choices.
• Forming the Government: Parties contest elections, and the one with a majority forms the government. They implement policies based on their manifesto, ensuring governance aligns with public expectations.
• Accountability: Opposition parties keep the ruling party in check by questioning policies and demanding transparency.

Additionally, parties encourage political participation, promote national integration, and provide a platform for leadership development. Thus, they are indispensable for democracy.