POLITICAL PARTY FORMATION IN INDIA

To form a political party in India, a body of Indian citizens must apply for registration with the Election Commission of India (ECI) within 30 days of its formation. The process is governed by Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Conditions for registration To be eligible for registration, an association must meet several conditions, including being composed solely of Indian citizens, formed for the purpose of contesting elections, having at least 100 registered electors as members, and including a clause in its constitution expressing loyalty to the Constitution of India, socialism, secularism, and democracy. An affidavit is also required stating that none of the members belong to another registered political party. The registration process Preparation of documents: The party needs to create its constitution, rules, and regulations and gather affidavits from at least 100 members who are also registered electors. Application submission: The application, along with the documents and a fee of ₹10,000, is submitted to the ECI Secretary. Public notice: The ECI requires the party to publish a notice in newspapers to invite public objections within 30 days. Application tracking: Applicants can track their application status online through the ECI's PPRTMS. Registration and benefits: Upon successful registration, parties receive benefits such as income tax exemption and preference for an election symbol. Recognition as a state or national party Registered parties are initially "Registered Unrecognized Political Parties". They can achieve recognition as a state or national party based on electoral performance, which provides additional benefits like a reserved symbol and access to state media during elections. Criteria for National Party recognition (fulfill any one): Win at least 2% of Lok Sabha seats from at least three states. Secure at least 6% of the vote in a general election in at least four states and win at least four Lok Sabha seats. Be recognized as a state party in at least four states. Criteria for State Party recognition (fulfill any one): Secure at least 6% of the vote and win at least two seats in a Legislative Assembly election. Secure at least 6% of the vote and win at least one Lok Sabha seat in a general election from that state. Win at least 3% of the total assembly seats or at least three seats, whichever is higher. Win at least one Lok Sabha seat for every 25 seats allocated to the state. Secure at least 8% of the total valid votes in the state during a general election.