Symbols of National Parties in India

The national parties in India play an important role in the country’s political system. They are the major contenders for power in the Lok Sabha (the lower house of Parliament) and the Rajya Sabha (the upper house of Parliament). They also play a significant role in the state legislature. Let’s know here in detail about National parties in India.

The national parties are also important in shaping the country’s policies. They put forward their manifestos before elections, which outline their vision for the country. Once they come to power, they implement their policies through legislation and other means.

The national parties in India are a diverse group, with different ideologies and political agendas. However, they all share a common goal of serving the Indian people and making the country a better place.

How many national parties in India?

As of May 2023, there are 6 national parties in India recognized by the Election Commission of India.

The total number of national parties may change over time as new parties emerge and existing ones evolve or dissolve.

The Election Commission of India grants the status of a national party based on certain criteria, including the party’s performance in national and state elections.

READ | Current Population of India 2023

The national parties are entitled to certain benefits, such as the use of the government’s media channels for election broadcasts and the allocation of free symbols for elections. They are also eligible for financial assistance from the government.

National parties in India list

Here is a list of Current National parties in India, it is as below…

1. All India Trinamool Congress (TMC)
2. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)
3. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
4. Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM)
5. Indian National Congress (INC)
6. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)

Symbols of national parties in India

Here are the symbols name of the national parties in India along with their founding year.

• All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) (1998) – Flower
  

  A regionalist party based in West Bengal. It is led by Mamata Banerjee.
• Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) (1984) – Elephant
  

  A party that advocates for the rights of the Dalits, or “untouchables.” It is led by Mayawati.
• Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) (1980) – Lotus
  

  A right-wing party that is the current ruling party in India. It is led by Narendra Modi.
• Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) (1964) – Hammer and sickle
  

  A communist party that is the main opposition party in West Bengal. It is led by Sitaram Yechury.
• Indian National Congress (INC) (1885) – Hand
  

  The oldest political party in India. It is the main opposition party in the current government. It is led by Sonia Gandhi.
• Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) (1999) – Bow and arrow
  

  A regionalist party based in Maharashtra. It is led by Sharad Pawar.

Number/no of national parties in India

There are 6 number of national parties recognized by the Election Commission of India. 

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was a national party until April 2023, when it lost its status after failing to meet the criteria for recognition.

The criteria for recognition as a national party are as follows…

• The party must have been in existence for at least 5 years.
• The party must have won at least 4% percent of the seats in the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha in the last general election.
• The party must have won at least 2% percent of the seats in the Legislative Assembly of any state in the last assembly election.

If a party loses its status as a national party, it can regain it if it meets the criteria in the next general election.