Recognition of National and State Political Parties

A State political party is a registered political party that satisfies prescribed electoral-performance conditions in a particular state. The Election Commission of India grants this recognition under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968; recognition is state-specific and is distinct from mere registration of a political party.

Alternative criteria for recognition

A registered party is recognised as a State party if it fulfils any one of the following conditions at the relevant general election:

• It secures at least 6 per cent of the valid votes polled in the state in a Legislative Assembly election and wins at least 2 Assembly seats.
• It secures at least 6 per cent of the valid votes polled in the state in a Lok Sabha election and wins at least 1 Lok Sabha seat from that state.
• It wins at least 3 per cent of the Assembly seats, or 3 seats, whichever is greater.
• It wins at least 1 Lok Sabha seat for every 25 Lok Sabha seats, or any fraction thereof, allotted to the state.
• It secures at least 8 per cent of the valid votes polled in the state in a general election to either the Lok Sabha or the Legislative Assembly.

Meaning and significance of recognition

These tests combine electoral support with, in most alternatives, legislative representation. A party recognised in a state is entitled to a reserved election symbol for its candidates in that state, subject to the Symbols Order.

• Recognition as a State party applies only in the state where the prescribed condition is satisfied.
• Registration under the Representation of the People Act, 1951 does not automatically confer recognised-party status.