What is meant by National Parties? State the criteria for recognizing a party as National and State Party.

National parties have a larger base among people and their reach encompasses most of the country. These parties have a national agenda and outlook which is reflected in their manifesto. They have more workers and often compete for power at regional as well as national level amongst themselves. To be recognised as a national party, a party has to secure 4 percent of the total votes cast in at least 4 different states. The Indian National Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party are examples of national parties.

The criteria for recognition of a party as National party are as under:

1. If a party is recognised as a state party in 4 or more states.
2. If a party has secured more than 2% of seats in Lok Sabha from 3 or more states.
3. It secures 6% of votes in 4 or more states in Lok Sabha and overall 4 seats.

The criteria for recognition of a party as State party are as under:

1. If a party secures 6% of valid votes polled and 2 seats in Legislative Assembly elections.
2. If a party secures 6% of votes and 1 Seat in Lok Sabha.
3. If a party gets 3 seats in Legislative Assembly or 3% of the Legislative Assembly seats.