Question map
Which one of the following is NOT a classified category of political parties as outlined by the Election Commission of India?
Explanation
The Election Commission of India (ECI) classifies political parties into three specific legal categories: National Parties, State Recognised Parties, and Registered Unrecognised Parties [3]. A party is 'recognised' as a National or State party based on specific electoral performance criteria, such as vote share and seats won in Lok Sabha or Assembly elections [2]. Parties that are formally registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, but do not meet these performance thresholds are classified as 'Registered Unrecognised Parties'. While the term 'Regional Parties' is popularly used in political science literature and general discourse to describe parties with a localized base, it is not a formal classification category used by the ECI. The ECI's official framework only recognizes the status of National, State, and Registered Unrecognised entities [4].
Sources
- [2] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 78: Political Parties > RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL AND STATE PARTIES > p. 567
- [3] https://www.ceogoa.nic.in/appln/uil/FAQsViewer.aspx?HyeLsW=EHM9v700sP8=&sbGTMq=m0kcY3Ak1mKe3dscC2zeAb2ABGWYgweMis1jwQwUWA50V7zkA8xvdHkOywDhdTLz&kzoWJF=VbNCqAYWVrA=
- [1] Democratic Politics-II. Political Science-Class X . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 4: Political Parties > National parties > p. 53
- [4] https://ceodelhi.gov.in/OnlineERMS/PERMORMANCE/P7.pdf