Indian Democracy & Role Of Election Commission

The Preamble to the Constitution declares India to be a Democratic, Republic. All of us who are
working for protection & upholding the civil rights of the citizens of India are deeply concerned with
democratic polity of the country. “Democracy” is regarded as a basic feature of the Constitution as
held in the

Indira Nehru Gandhi V/s. Raj Narayan[1]

One of the most important features of the democratic polity is elections at regular intervals.
Elections constitute the signpost of the democracy; these are medium through which the attitudes,
values and beliefs of the people towards their political environment are reflected. Elections are the
central democratic procedure for selecting and controlling leaders. Elections grant people a
government and the government has constitutional right to govern those who elect it. Elections
symbolize the sovereignty of the people and provide legitimacy to the authority of the government.
Thus, free & fair elections are indispensable for the success of the democracy.

The growth of democracy is possible only when peoples are entitled to participate in the democratic
process pf the country. According to Art. 326 elections in India are conducted on the basis of the
“Adult Suffrage”, which is most important pillar of the democracy.

In order to ensure free & fair elections the Constitution establishes the Election Commission. In
1950, the Election Commission has established in India. This is a body autonomous in character and
insulated from political pressures and executive influence. Care has been taken to ensure that the
Election Commission work as an independent body free from external pressures from the party in
power or executive of the day.[2] It is duty of the Election Commission to carry free & fair elections
to the various legislative bodies in the country and guarantee the growth of democracy. There are
mixed populated states. There are native people as well as others who are racially, linguistically and
culturally different but to supervise, organize and conduct election the Commission is setup for All –
India Level.

Election Laws in India are based on the basic values of constitutional democracy. In order to protect
these values from unnecessary legislative & executive interference the framers of the Constitution
incorporated it as constitutional provisions. So when the question regarding amendment of election
laws and its validity challenged before the court of law it may necessary to examine that, whether
amendment is against basic values of democracy of the Constitution.[3]
The Election Commission has constitutional status.[4] The superintendence, direction & control of
elections to be vested in the Election Commission. It deals with the preparation of rolls conducting
all elections of Parliament and State Legislature. The Election Commission consists of:

a) Chief Election Commission

b) Other such numbers of Election Commissioners as fixed by the President from time to time.

c) There shall be a Regional Election Commissioner.

d) The President or Governor on request by the Election Commission or Regional Election

Commissioner shall make available such staff to discharge functions effectively.

e) The Election Commissioner or Regional Election Commissioner shall not be removed except on the
recommendation of the Chief Election Commissioner.

f) Their tenure of service, other conditions shall be decided by the President.

Functions:

The Election Commission performs following functions:

a) The superintendence, direction & control of elections.

b) To conduct elections of various bodies.

c) To advice the President or Governor of a State for disqualification of any member.

d) To pass any order in respect of the conduct of the elections when there is no law or rule made
under the law.

In the case of, Election Commission of India v/s.Ashok Kumar [5]

Supreme Court observed that, ‘superintendence, direction & control’ these words are enough to
include all powers necessary for smooth and effective working, conduct of elections so that the will
of the people may be expressed. The Constitution[6] bars the interference of the Courts in the
matters of elections. The Election Petitions are allowed and to be presented before such authority as
provided by the law or legislature.

Role of Election Commission:

1. Guardian of Free & Fair Elections.

One of the most important features of the democratic polity is elections at regular intervals.
Democracy is the
“Government of the people, By the people, And for the people”.

Holding periodic free & fair elections are essentials of democratic system. It is part of basic structure
of the Constitution. It has been held in T. N. Sheshan V/s Union of India[7]. The Commission has
taken many efforts for the success of elections and thereby democracy. So it is regarded as Guardian
of both, democracy & free & fair elections.

2. Model Code of Conduct

The Election Commission is regarded as guardian of free & fair elections. In every election, it issues a
Model code of Conduct for political parties and candidates to conduct elections in free & fair
manner. The Commission issued its First code in 1971 (5th Election) and revised it from time to time.
It lay down guidelines for conduct of political parties & candidates during elections. However, there
are instances of violation of code by the political parties and complaints are received for misuse of
official machinery by the candidates.

The Commission held responsible to Mr. Narendra Modi and Smt. Sonia Gandhi for violation of
Model code of Conduct by making controversial remarks during election campaign in 2007 Gujarat
Assembly polls.

In I.D. Systems (India) Pvt. Ltd. v/s. Chief Election Commissioner[8], the Kerala High Court held that
the object of model code of conduct is not to stop all governmental activities but only those actions
which may directly influence a section of electors need to be prevented.

The need for such code is in the interest of free and fair elections. However, the code does not have
any specific statutory basis. It has only a persuasive effect. It contains what, known as “rules of
electoral morality”. But this lack of statutory backing does not prevent the Commission from
enforcing it. It has power to enforce drawing force under Art. 324.[9]

3. Registration of Political Parties

The party system is an essential feature of the Parliamentary democracy. Law regarding to this
registration process enacted in 1989 and number of parties got registered with Commission. It helps
to avoid confusion and headache of the administrative machinery as well as confusion of the
electorate. It ensures that political parties can practice democracy only by their registration.
4. Limits on Poll Expenses

To get rid of the growing influences and vulgar show of money during elections the Election
Commission has made many suggestions in this regard. The Election Commission has fixed the legal
limits on the amount of money which a candidate can spend during election campaigns. These limits
have been revised from time to time. The Election Commission by appointing observers keeps an eye
on the individual account of election expenditure. The contestants are also required to give details
of expenditure with 30 days of declaration of results. However, political parties do not adhere to the
financial ‘Lakshman Rekha’ as huge amount are spent by parties under the garb of their supporters.

The campaign period was reduced by the Election Commission from 21 to 14 days for Lok Sabha and
Assembly elections; it is for to trim down election expenditure. The Election Commission’s this
attempt to impose these measures has been a move in the right direction.[10] Moreover, Election
Commission takes details of his assets on affidavit at the time of submitting nomination paper.

In Common Cause: A registered Society v/s. Union of India[11], it was pointed out that, in India
elections are fought on the basis of money. The Court ruled that, purity of election is fundamental to
the democracy and Commission can ask the candidates about the expenditure incurred by them and
political party for this purpose.

5. Use of Scientific and Technological Advancements.

The Election Commission trying to bring improvements in election procedures by taking advantage
of Scientific and Technological Advancements. The introduction of EVM – Electronic Voting Machines
is one of the steps in that direction. It was used with view to reducing malpractices and also
improving the efficiency. On experimental basis it was firstly tries in the State of Kerala in 1982 for
Legislative Assembly Elections. After successful testing and legal inquires the commission took
historic decision to go ahead and start use of EVMs.

The Election Commission making use of Information Technology launched a web site of its own on
28TH February, 1998 i.e. www.eci.gov.in. It helps to provide accurate information, management,
administration and instant results of the elections. In 1998, Election Commission taken a bold step
and decided programme for ‘computerizations’ of the electoral rolls.

To prevent electoral fraud, in 1993 EPICs – Electorals Photo Identity Cards were issued. In, 2004
elections it was mandatory to possess card. During 2007 Punjab Assembly Elections, Parneet Kaur –
MP from Patiala could not cast her vote till late afternoon as she had misplaced her voter’s card. The
Karnataka become the first State to prepare electoral rolls with photographs of voters in 2008
elections. The State Election Commission developed the electoral roll management software called
‘STEERS’[12].

6. Multi –Member Election Commission

There was a long standing demand to make the Election Commission a multi member body. The Ho.
Supreme Court in the S. S. Dhanoba v/s.Union of India[13]

Held that, Election Commission entrusted with vital functions and is armed with exclusive and
uncontrolled powers to execute them, it is both, necessary & desirable that, the powers are not
exercise by one of individual, however wise he may be. It also conforms to the tenets of democratic
rule.

The Constitution Amendment Act, 1993 made Election Commission to be multi member body. A
single member Election Commission would have no longer unbridled powers. In view of the large
size of the country and the huge electoral the Election Commission also made a proposal for the
appointment of Regional Election Commissioners to different zones to reduce its burden.

7. Election Commission – A Tribunal for Adjudication

There is bar to the Court for interference in the electoral matters[14]. Then the question arises is the
Election Commission a tribunal? Can Supreme Court hear appeal from the Commission? U/A – 136
Commission can be treated as tribunal while adjudicating disputes?

In answering the questions, the Supreme Court held that, Commission is a Tribunal for the purpose
of Article 136 while deciding such a controversy. Such issue decided in the case of A.P.H.L.
Conference, Shillong v/s. W. A. Sangama[15].

Further, Court speaking about the powers and functions of the Commission said that, regulating loud
speaker for electioneering and order issued for that is valid, as held in the Mohinder Singh v/s. Chief
Election Commissioner[16]

8. Checking Criminalization of Politics.

Criminalization of Politics is a grave problem in India. This menance began in Bihar and gradually
spread over the nation. In 20003, a law was introduced to prohibit the election of criminals to the
legislative bodies. However, persons with criminal background continue to hold seats in Parliament
& State Assemblies. This lead to very undesirable and embarrassing situation when law breakers
become law makers.

The Commission has expressed its serious concern over anti - social activities. Commission made
norms and recommendation to the government to curb the menace of criminalization of politics.
They observed that,

“All political parties to reach a consensus that, no person with a criminal background will be given
the party ticket”.

The candidates are obliged to submit an affidavit in a prescribed form declaring their criminal
records, including convictions, acquittals charge pending cases. The information so furnished by the
candidates shall be disseminated to the public, and to the print and electronic media.

9. Right to Know About Candidates.

In order to make democracy healthy & unpolluted, citizens have right to know about Candidates to
whom they prefer as their Representative. To stop criminalization and in the public interest the past
of candidate should not kept in dark. In the case of

Union of India V/s Association for Democratic Reforms[17]

Ho. Supreme Court agreed with Delhi High Court and in judgment directed the Election Commission
to take necessary information on affidavit from candidates as it is part of his nomination paper.
Election Commission must take such information which is mandatory including;

a) His/her criminal antecedents, whether convicted or acquitted? Whether punishable with

imprisonment or fine?

b) Prior to 6 months of filing nomination paper he is an accused of any offence punishable with
imprisonment of 2 years? Whether Court has taken its cognizance, if so details thereof.

c) The assets (movable, immovable, bank balance) of a candidate and his or her spouse and
dependants.

d) Liabilities, if any, particularly over dues of any public financial institutions or government.

e) Educational qualification of the candidate.

However, failing to furnish required information on nomination papers shall be liable to reject
nomination papers by the Returning Officer. Furnishing wrong and incomplete information also
liable for penal action. This information is available to the general public, and to the print and
electronic media, free of cost.

There should be provision compelling winning candidates periodically to report his work to
constituency and measures taken by him for people grievances as remedy. This sense of
accountability must be given legal shape and punishment for default. There are other important
innovations to make specially elections clean, candidate competent and incorruptible. Invigilation is
important from the beginning to the end of the election process.[18]

10. Role of Advisor.

Recently, the Election Commission has acted in the role of advisor. The Commission issued notice to
Mr. Varun Gandhi and Bhartiya Janata Party for violation of Model code of Conduct by offensive
speech on 7th and 8th March 2009 at Pilbhit District in Uttar Pradesh. However, the Chief Election
Commissioner N. Gopalswami said,[19]

“We have seen the tape and are satisfied.

Hence we passed the advisory.

We have done our duty.

Our duty ends there”.

Further Commission advised him take it or leave it. After this , Election Commission letting the
abusing politicians like Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Udhav and Jaswant Singh and many more,
simply advising them ‘self-restraint’ but without any concrete action, for their objectionable voice
against each other in public during election campaign.[20]

11. Prohibition on Publication

Moreover, the Commission issued an order for prohibition of publication and disseminating of
results of opinion polls (Exit Polls).

12. Criticism
The democracy is regarded as basic structure in India, but if we observe the situation during the
election, it seems that there is no democracy. The notion of Democracy is changed as:

Government off the people,

Buy the people, and

Far the people.

In the latest elections the Commission affiliated some of the electorals differently to the election of
Lok Sabha and Legislative Council of State, which causes inconvenience to the people. Commission
carried out number of reforms in the process but still it is not proved effective and disputes are
arising for its ineffective performance.

13. Conclusion:

The Commission over the years has conducted number of laudable electoral reforms to strengthen
democracy and enhance fairness of elections. The commission has taken best steps to stop
malpractices during elections by using advance technology. However, all these efforts taken by the
Election Commission will help to grow democracy and its confidence in the minds of people. The
Supreme Court always examined the legal and other issues of elections and always emphasized to
protect the fundamentals of democracy, which reflected through its judgments. The Commission
should be empowered to punish the greedy politicians for violation of Code, Laws, and Orders of the
Courts. A country’s administration should be governed not by the bullet but by the ballot.

A Constitutional Body

Appointment & Tenure of Commissioners

Transaction of Business

The Setup

Budget & Expenditure

Political Parties & the Commission

Executive Interference Barred

Advisory Jurisdiction &

Quasi-Judicial Functions

Judicial Review
Media Policy

Voter Education

International Co-operation

New Initiatives

A Constitutional Body

India is a Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic and the largest democracy in the World. The
modern Indian nation state came into existence on 15th of August 1947. Since then free and fair
elections have been held at regular intervals as per the principles enshrined in the Constitution,
Electoral Laws and System.

The Constitution of India has vested in the Election Commission of India the superintendence,
direction and control of the entire process for conduct of elections to Parliament and Legislature of
every State and to the offices of President and Vice-President of India.

Election Commission of India is a permanent Constitutional Body. The Election Commission was
established in accordance with the Constitution on 25th January 1950. The Commission celebrated
its Golden Jubilee in 2001. For details, please click here

Originally the commission had only a Chief Election Commissioner. It currently consists of Chief
Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners.

For the first time two additional Commissioners were appointed on 16th October 1989 but they had
a very short tenure till 1st January 1990. Later, on 1st October 1993 two additional Election
Commissioners were appointed. The concept of multi-member Commission has been in operation
since then, with decision making power by majority vote.

Appointment & Tenure of Commissioners

The President appoints Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners. They have tenure
of six years, or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. They enjoy the same status and
receive salary and perks as available to Judges of the Supreme Court of India. The Chief Election
Commissioner can be removed from office only through impeachment by Parliament.

Transaction of Business

The Commission transacts its business by holding regular meetings and also by circulation of papers.
All Election Commissioners have equal say in the decision making of the Commission. The
Commission, from time to time, delegates some of its executive functions to its officers in its
Secretariat.

The Setup

The Commission has a separate Secretariat at New Delhi, consisting of about 300 officials, in a
hierarchical set up.

Two or three Deputy Election Commissioners and Director Generals who are the senior most officers
in the Secretariat assist the Commission. They are generally appointed from the national civil service
of the country and are selected and appointed by the Commission with tenure. Directors, Principal
Secretaries, and Secretaries, Under Secretaries and Deputy Directors support the Deputy Election
Commissioners and Director Generals in turn. There is functional and territorial distribution of work
in the Commission. The work is organised in Divisions, Branches and sections; each of the last
mentioned units is in charge of a Section Officer. The main functional divisions are Planning, Judicial,
Administration, Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation, SVEEP, Information
Systems, Media and Secretariat Co-ordination. The territorial work is distributed among separate
units responsible for different Zones into which the 35 constituent States and Union Territories of
the country are grouped for convenience of management.

At the state level, the election work is supervised, subject to overall superintendence, direction and
control of the Commission, by the Chief Electoral Officer of the State, who is appointed by the
Commission from amongst senior civil servants proposed by the concerned state government. He is,
in most of the States, a full time officer and has a small team of supporting staff.
At the district and constituency levels, the District Election Officers, Electoral Registration Officers
and Returning Officers, who are assisted by a large number of junior functionaries, perform election
work. They all perform their functions relating to elections in addition to their other responsibilities.
During election time, however, they are available to the Commission, more or less, on a full time
basis.

The gigantic task force for conducting a countrywide general election consists of nearly five million
polling personnel and civil police forces. This huge election machinery is deemed to be on
deputation to the Election Commission and is subject to its control, superintendence and discipline
during the election period, extending over a period of one and half to two months.

Budget & Expenditure

The Secretariat of the Commission has an independent budget, which is finalised directly in
consultation between the Commission and the Finance Ministry of the Union Government. The latter
generally accepts the recommendations of the Commission for its budgets. The major expenditure
on actual conduct of elections is, however, reflected in the budgets of the concerned constituent
units of the Union - States and Union Territories. If elections are being held only for the Parliament,
the expenditure is borne entirely by the Union Government while for the elections being held only
for the State Legislature, the expenditure is borne entirely by the concerned State. In case of
simultaneous elections to the Parliament and State Legislature, the expenditure is shared equally
between the Union and the State Governments. For Capital equipment, expenditure related to
preparation for electoral rolls and the scheme for Electors' Identity Cards too, the expenditure is
shared equally.

Executive Interference Barred

In the performance of its functions, Election Commission is insulated from executive interference. It
is the Commission which decides the election schedules for the conduct of elections, whether
general elections or bye-elections. Again, it is the Commission which decides on the location polling
stations, assignment of voters to the polling stations, location of counting centres, arrangements to
be made in and around polling stations and counting centres and all allied matters.

Political Parties & the Commission

Political parties are registered with the Election Commission under the law. The Commission ensures
inner party democracy in their functioning by insisting upon them to hold their organizational
elections at periodic intervals. Political Parties so registered with it are granted recognition at the
State and National levels by the Election Commission on the basis of their poll performance at
general elections according to criteria prescribed by it. The Commission, as a part of its quasi-judicial
jurisdiction, also settles disputes between the splinter groups of such recognised parties.

Election Commission ensures a level playing field for the political parties in election fray, through
strict observance by them of a Model Code of Conduct evolved with the consensus of political
parties.

The Commission holds periodical consultations with the political parties on matters connected with
the conduct of elections; compliance of Model Code of Conduct and new measures proposed to be
introduced by the Commission on election related matters.

Advisory Jurisdiction & Quasi-Judicial Functions

Under the Constitution, the Commission also has advisory jurisdiction in the matter of post election
disqualification of sitting members of Parliament and State Legislatures. Further, the cases of
persons found guilty of corrupt practices at elections which come before the Supreme Court and
High Courts are also referred to the Commission for its opinion on the question as to whether such
person shall be disqualified and, if so, for what period. The opinion of the Commission in all such
matters is binding on the President or, as the case may be, the Governor to whom such opinion is
tendered.

The Commission has the power to disqualify a candidate who has failed to lodge an account of his
election expenses within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. The Commission has also
the power for removing or reducing the period of such disqualification as also other disqualification
under the law.

Judicial Review
The decisions of the Commission can be challenged in the High Court and the Supreme Court of the
India by appropriate petitions. By long standing convention and several judicial pronouncements,
once the actual process of elections has started, the judiciary does not intervene in the actual
conduct of the polls. Once the polls are completed and result declared, the Commission cannot
review any result on its own. This can only be reviewed through the process of an election petition,
which can be filed before the High Court, in respect of elections to the Parliament and State
Legislatures. In respect of elections for the offices of the President and Vice President, such petitions
can only be filed before the Supreme Court.

Media Policy

The Commission has a comprehensive policy for the media. It holds regular briefings for the mass
media-print and electronic, on a regular basis, at close intervals during the election period and on
specific occasions as necessary on other occasions. The representatives of the media are also
provided facilities to report on actual conduct of poll and counting. They are allowed entry into
polling stations and counting centres on the basis of authority letters issued by the Commission.
They include members of both international and national media. The Commission also publishes
statistical reports and other documents which are available in the public domain. The library of the
Commission is available for research and study to members of the academic fraternity; media
representatives and anybody else interested.

The Commission has, in co-operation with the state owned media - Doordarshan and All India Radio,
taken up a major campaign for awareness of voters. The Prasar Bharti Corporation which manages
the national Radio and Television networks, has brought out several innovative and effective short
clips for this purpose.

Voter Education

Voters’ Participation in the democratic and electoral processes is integral to the successful running
of any democracy and the very basis of wholesome democratic elections. Recognising this, Election
Commission of India, in 2009, formally adopted Voter Education and Electoral participation as an
integral part of its election management.
International Co-operation

India is a founding member of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance
(IDEA), Stockholm, Sweden. In the recent past, the Commission has expanded international contacts
by way of sharing of experience and expertise in the areas of Electoral Management and
Administration, Electoral Laws and Reforms. Election Officials from the national electoral bodies and
other delegates from the several countries - Russia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Indonesia, South Africa,
Bangladesh, Thailand, Nigeria, Namibia, Bhutan, Australia, the United States and Afghanistan etc.
have visited the Commission for a better understanding of the Indian Electoral Process. The
Commission has also provided experts and observers for elections to other countries in co-operation
with the United Nations and the Commonwealth Secretariat.

New Initiatives

The Commission has taken several new initiatives in the recent past. Notable among these are, a
scheme for use of State owned Electronic Media for broadcast/telecast by Political parties, checking
criminalisation of politics, computerisation of electoral rolls, providing electors with Identity Cards,
simplifying the procedure for maintenance of accounts and filling of the same by candidates and a
variety of measures for strict compliance of Model Code of Conduct, for providing a level playing
field to contestants during the elections.

Election Commission of India

Posted by Shubhojit on September 17, 2014 | Comment

4.10/5 (82.00%) 10 votes

The Election Commission of India is a permanent body which has been vested with the responsibility
of directing and controlling the entire process of conducting elections. The commission is known for
upholding the principle of free and fair elections as mentioned in the Constitution.Election
Commission of India
History & Development of Election Commission

The Election Commission was established on 25th January 1950 with an objective of supervising all
elections to the Parliament of India, state legislatures and to the office of the President and the Vice-
President of India. In the first few decades of its existence, the commission was led by a Chief
Election Commissioner (CEC). Sukumar Sen was the first CEC of India.

Much later in 1989, two additional commissioners were appointed to the commission for the first
time. However, they remained in office for a brief period. With the enactment of The Election
Commissioner Amendment Act (1993), the poll commission became a multi-member body. The
concept of multi-member Commission became operational once again after two additional Election
Commissioners were appointed.

One of the major developments brought about by the poll panel was the introduction of EVM –
Electronic Voting Machines. The concept behind this initiative was to reduce malpractices and bring
in more transparency in electoral process. Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPICs) were issued for the
first time in 1993 in a bid to ensure transparency. The Commission came up with its website in 1998
and in the same year it took the call of computerising electoral rolls.

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Composition of the Election Commission of India

Presently, the Election Commission comprises a Chief Election Commissioner and two Election
Commissioners. According to Article 324 of the Indian Constitution, the President appoints the Chief
Election Commissioner and “such other Commissioners” as he may from time to time fix. The CEC
and other Election Commissioners are appointed for a period of six years, or up to the age of 65
years. When an Election Commissioner is appointed, the CEC acts as the Chairman of the
Commission.

Chief Election Commissioner can be removed from his office on the grounds of misconduct or
incapacity if the two-third members in both houses of the Parliament give their consent to the
decision. The President can remove other Election Commissioners if it is being recommended by the
CEC. Prior to the general elections or state elections, the President may also appoint Regional
Commissioners to assist the Election Commission in performing its duties.

The Secretariat, which comprises about 300 officials, helps the Commission perform its executive
functions. The secretariat is headed by two deputy election commissioners, who are selected by the
Commission from the national civil service. On a state level, it’s the chief electoral officer (CEO) who
supervises the election work. The Commission selects the electoral officer from senior civil servants
recommended by the state government.

Functions of the Election Commission of India

The Commission has taken several measures to hold “free & fair elections” on a periodic basis. As a
constitutional body, it issues a Model Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates to prevent
malpractices during elections. The guidelines for conduct of political parties and their candidates are
laid down by the commission. Every new political party has to get itself registered with the
commission.

Putting checks and balances in place is what the Election Commission is expected to do. Time and
again, it fixes limits on the amount of money a candidate can spend for election campaigns. The
observers appointed by the Election Commission keep an eye on the election expenditure.
Moreover, the candidates are also required to give details of expenditure at least 30 days prior to
the declaration of results. Similarly, the Commission takes details of the candidates’ assets while
they submit the nomination paper.

In order to bring down the election expenses, the Commission reduced the campaign period by a
week from 21 to 14 days for both Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. Moreover, it is incumbent upon
the Commission to prohibit publication and dissemination of results of opinion polls. All these
functions are in addition to the fundamental roles including preparation of electoral rolls and
announcement of election dates.

Criticism of Election Commission of India

Questions have been asked on the effectiveness of the Election Commission and the entity has often
come under heavy criticism for not acting against the political parties who violated poll code and
misused official machinery. Although the poll panel puts a limit on poll expenses, political parties
hardly adhere to the “financial Lakshman Rekha”. It did vitiate the political atmosphere with large-
scale corruption.
 Sometimes, the Commission lacks enough teeth to enforce discipline in the electoral processes.
Since the model code of conduct doesn’t have any statutory backing, it is not strictly enforced. The
Commission has faced criticism for being unable to put an end to corruption in the electoral process.

WBSG16.09.2014

Election System in India

Types of Elections in India

Following are the major types of elections in the country: 

 Elections to Lok Sabha
 Elections to Rajya Sabha
 Elections to State Assemblies
 Elections to Legislative Council
 Elections to the posts of President, Vice-President.

 Elections to Local Bodies

o Municipal Corporation
o Gram Panchayat Elections
o Zila Panchayat Elections
o Block Panchayat Elections

Right to Vote
The Constituent Assembly adopted the principle of universal adult franchise as the
main method of democratic representation in the Lok Sabha and in the State
Legislative Assemblies. The original Article 325, providing for adult suffrage fixed the
age of eligibility to vote for elections to the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabhas, at 21
years, but by the 62nd Amendment to this clause passed in 1989, it has been
reduced to 18 years.

Election Process in India 

In an election, various candidates of different parties contest against each other, out
of which the people elect their representative. The stages of the election process of
India include delimitation of constituencies wherein the entire area (the whole
country in the case of Lok Sabha elections and
that particular state in the case of Legislative Assembly elections) is divided into
constituencies. After the demarcation of constituency, the voters' list of each
constituency is prepared and published and nomination papers are filed by the
candidates. Thereafter, nomination papers are scrutinised. The next stage is the
campaign by all the candidates and the parties. The election campaign ends 48
hours before the polling. The last step is the counting of votes and declaration of
result.
Political Parties in India 
A political party is a group of people who want to achieve common goals by
contesting elections and exercising political power upon winning. India has a multi-
party system. Some of the major political parties in India are: Bharatiya Janata Party
(BJP), Indian National Congress, Bahujan Samaj party (BSP), Samajwadi Party,
Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M),
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD),Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Janata Dal United
(JDU), Shiv Sena. There are also various regional parties in India.

Similarities and Dissimilarities Between Article 49 (O) and NOTA

Posted by princy on April 16, 2014 | Read the First Comment

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It goes without saying that India has seen a rise in the number of discerning voters who consider
several factors before casting a vote. They have become more conscious of their rights as
electorates. Of all the rights a voter is entitled to, the right to reject candidates and cast a negative
vote has been most talked about.

Similarities and Dissimilarities Between Article 49 - O and NOTA

What does Article 49 (O) Imply?

Under section 49 (O) of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, it has been meticulously stated the
procedure to be followed when a valid voter decides not to cast his vote in the favour of any of the
candidates. In that case, the voter can enter his electoral roll number in Form 17A and put his
signature. Further, the presiding officer has to put a remark in the same form and get the voter’s
signature against the due remark. The objective of this provision was to prevent electoral fraud or
misuse of votes.

However, this provision has been recently rendered unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. As per
the apex court’s verdict, Article 49 (O) violates the fundamental right of a voter to reject candidates
in secrecy.
What Difference would NOTA make?

In its recent judgment, the apex court has asked the Election Commission to make a provision of the
“None of the Above (NOTA)” option in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVM), so that a voter is able
to exercise the right to vote without any violation of the secrecy of their decision. On this note, the
Election Commission declared that the NOTA option would be provided on the EVMs, and the
provision under the Rule 49 (O) would stand annulled.

NOTA and Article 49 (0): Similarities and Dissimilarities

It has been argued that the scope of Article 49 (O) is wider than the NOTA. If analysed carefully, the
former rule gives the government a chance to understand the reason behind the rejection, by going
through the voters’ remarks. In NOTA, we only get to know the voter’s rejection and not the actual
reason.

Those who support the earlier provision, are of the opinion that implementation of the NOTA option
would not help the administration gauge all the reasons that demotivate electors from casting their
votes. It is not always the lack of faith in candidates that results in rejection of votes.

Although, both NOTA and Article 49 (O) are directed towards empowering voters to exercise their
fundamental rights, they both come with their merits and demerits. While the former doesn’t
capture the cause of rejection, the latter violates a voter’s secrecy. A middle ground has to be found.

Importance of Elections in India

Elections form the bedrock of the largest democracy in the world - India. Since Independence, as
many as 15 Lok Sabhas have been formed through elections, the first one being held in 1951-52. The
methodology of election is through universal adult suffrage, whereby every citizen of India over 18
years of age is an eligible voter in the eyes of the Constitution.

The importance of elections in India—and for that matter, in any democracy—is as follows:
Choice of leadership: Elections provide a way for the citizens of India to choose their leaders. They
do so by casting their vote in favour of the candidate or party whose views appeal to them. This
ensures that the will of the people is reflected in the elected candidates.

Change of leadership: Elections in India are also a platform for the public to voice their resentment
against a ruling party. By voting for other parties and helping elect a different government, citizens
demonstrate that they possess ultimate authority.

Political participation: Elections open the door for new issues to be raised in public. If a citizen of
India wishes to introduce reforms that are not the agenda of any of the parties, he or she is free to
contest the elections either independently or by forming a new political party.

Self-corrective system: Because elections are a regular exercise, occurring every five years in India,
the ruling parties are kept in check and made to consider the demands of the public. This works as a
self-corrective system whereby political parties review their performance and try to appease the
voters.

With a population of over 1.2 billion (according to the 2011 census) spread across 28 states and 7
union territories, India has a system of elections that is both daunting and praiseworthy.

Who can vote in India Why should we vote in India

Unknown facts about Indian Elections

1. There is an only authorized company Mysore Paints and Varnishes Private Limited which makes
the indelible ink used to mark the finger after voting.

2. Electronic voting machines save 10,000 tones of paper.

3. A 6-volt alkaline battery is used to run the Electronic voting machines, it can be used in areas with
no power connections.

4. This was the second time in Delhi Elections 2015, Congress won zero seats. Earlier when Congress
faced a similar situation was in 1988 in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

5. Malkajgiri constituency in Hyderabad has the largest number of voters, 30 lakh in numbers.

Last Updated on March 4, 2015

Who Can Vote in India

Voting System in India

The Indian Constitution confers voting rights on any individual who is a citizen of the country and is
above 18 years of age. This minimum-age limit came into effect from March 28, 1989, prior to which
it was 21 years. The Constitution does not differentiate between male and female voters, bestowing
on them equal rights, thus making their votes carry equal weight. On the same lines, no distinctions
is made on the basis of colour, race, cast, etc., as long as the said individual is a bonafide citizen of
India.

Process of voting registration

In order to be allotted a polling booth at the time of elections, citizens over 18 years of age are
required to register themselves as voters and get a voter ID card. They can do the same by filling up
and submitting Form-6 to the Electoral Registration Officer of their constituency. Voters are not
allowed to enrol at more than one place. Further, the voting rights are restricted to the current place
of work and residence. For example, if someone is native to Gujarat but happens to be working in
Mumbai, he or she is eligible to vote only for that constituency of Mumbai.

Voting rights of criminals

Convicted criminals and prisoners are banned from participating in the elections as voters. On the
same note, those with unstable mental condition are refrained from voting. That said, lobbying
efforts are ongoing from various states that argue for greater human rights for prisoners. According
to them, prisoners too are citizens of the country—and therefore, part of the Republic—and thus
deserve equal participation in elections. However, the cause has not found widespread support yet.

Non-Resident Indians (NRI)

In order to qualify as a voter, the person must reside in the particular constituency. Thus, NRIs are
prohibited from participating in the voting process, except in one case. If the NRI happens to be an
Indian citizen employed under Government of India and is currently posted overseas, he or she may
get registered as a voter.

Use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)

EVMs were introduced by the Election Commission in 1981 in a small district of Kerala. The machines
require only a single press of button to cast the vote, reducing manifold both the time taken to
conduct the poll and the time required to process and declare results. Their use has brought about a
sea change in the way elections are conducted in India. However, as various Public Interest
Litigations (PILs) have argued, the machines are not tamper-proof and may be easily manipulated.

To overcome these limitations, the Voter-Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) system has been
adopted, which shows a printout of the vote just cast by the voter, confirming that the vote was
counted in favour of the party intended. This paper trail can later be used to verify the data obtained
through the machines, should a case of suspicion arise.

None of the above (NOTA)

History of NOTA - how it came into being, whose idea was it?

The idea of a“None of the above’ ballot option originated in 1976 when the Isla Vista Municipal
Advisory Council passed a resolution to put forward this choice in the official electoral ballot, in
County of Santa Barbara, California, in the USA. Walter Wilson & Matthew Landy Steen, then council
ministers, presented a legal resolution to make some changes in the ballot procedure for the
elections. The ‘None of the above’ (NOTA) option was introduced for the first time, in 1978, in a
ballot by the State of Nevada. In California, a total of $ 987,000 was spent in promoting this ballot
option but it was defeated by a margin of 64% to 36% in the March 2000 general election. This new
ballot option would have been declared as a new voting system for all elective offices of US State &
Federal governments, if voters would have passed it.

Who introduced NOTA?

In India, in 2009, the Election Commission of India asked the Supreme Court that to offer the voter a
‘None of the above’ option at the ballot as it would give voters the freedom of not selecting any
undeserving candidate. The Government was not in favour of such an idea.

“The People’s Union for Civil Liberties’” which is an NGO, filed a public interest litigation statement
to favour NOTA. Finally on 27th September 2013, the right to register a ‘None of the above’ vote in
elections was applied by the Supreme Court of India, which then ordered the Election Commission
that all voting machines should be provided with a NOTA button so as to give voters the option to
choose ‘none of the above’.

Need for introducing NOTA

In our country, it often happens that a voter does not support any of the candidates in the election,
but they have no choice but to select a candidate. According to the judges of the Supreme Court of
India, the introduction of ‘None of the above’ i.e. NOTA option to voters would lead to systemic
change in polls and political parties will be forced to project clean candidates. In a voting system, the
voter should be allowed to indicate disapproval of all of the candidates. The very purpose of
introducing this option is to empower the voter to reject all candidates if they do not like any and all
the candidates listed in the EVM (electronic voting machine). The political parties would be left with
option other than to nominate clean candidates on their behalf in the elections. Candidates with
criminal or immoral backgrounds would have no option but to abstain from contesting elections.

Positive Points of NOTA

Although there are lots of negative points about ‘None of the above’ option in elections to voters,
the positive points also cannot be ignored. The very intention of the Supreme Court of India was to
force the political parties to project candidates with clean background as their candidates. The
candidates who win the election become part of the legislature, governing the country. It was,
therefore, felt mandatory that candidates with criminal or immoral or unclean backgrounds are
deterred from contesting the elections. If this option of ‘None of the above’ is implemented with its
true intent, the whole political scenario of the country will drastically change from the present
scenario.

Negative Points of NOTA

Some of the countries who initially introduced such option to the voters, later discontinued or
abolished the system. In countries where voting machines contain a NOTA button, there are chances
of it receiving a majority of the vote and hence “winning” the election. In such a case, Election
Commission may opt any of these options a) keep the office vacant, b) fill office by appointment, c)
hold another election. The State of Nevada, in such a situation, has a policy of no effect whatsoever
and the next highest total wins.

New Trends in Elections in 2014

EVM: The Electronic Voting Machines were introduced by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in
the year 1999. This electronic method of voting has helped in reducing the time taken for voting as
well in declaring the results.

VVPAT: The Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail will be introduced on experimental basis this year. As
soon as the vote is cast, a paper slip showing which symbol and candidate has been voted for will be
automatically dropped in a sealed box attached to the EVM. This slip will be further used by the EC.
==

Importance of Voting in India

Why Should We Vote

Voting in India is a Constitutional right if one is a citizen over 18 years of age. However, that
also makes it optional. It has been a tendency among voters, especially in the urban areas,
to treat the voting day as a day of rest. While skipping the vote may not seem 

to cause any harm,the long-term consequences are disastrous.

Here's why every citizen of India must cast his or her vote:

Agent of change: Voting is the agent of change. If the people of India think that the ruling
government is not performing its duties satisfactorily, they can show it the door by voting
against it. Refraining from doing so can result in the same party, or a worse one, being
elected for the next five years.

Every vote counts: In a country so populous, a voter might feel that a single vote does not
make any difference. However, the balance tilts when this becomes a national attitude and
lakhs—perhaps crores—of votes are not cast. By casting their vote, citizens may not
necessarily be able to get the best candidate elected—politics being what it is—but by
avoiding casting their vote they improve the chances of the unsuitable ones winning the
polls. At the end, it is only the voter who has to suffer through poor governance.

Get heard: Voting offers every citizen a medium of expression. In a country as vast and
diverse as ours, different regions have different concerns and priorities. The process of
voting allows every citizen to have a say in what should constitute the matters of importance
by voting for the candidate he or she deems fit for the purpose. While it is true that the
outcome of elections is seldom predictable, by not casting one's vote, that citizen is giving up
on the chance of getting heard.

Voting as a responsibility: Voting is as much a responsibility as it is a right. The whole

edifice of Indian democracy is built on the foundation of voting. If citizens are not careful
about casting their vote—or worse, skip their vote altogether—it will jeopardize the existence
of our democratic Republic.

Voting as an honor: Finally, voting is an honor conferred on the citizens by the founding

fathers. By exercising their right to vote, citizens demonstrate their respect for the history of
the country.
It can't be denied that the recent democratic experience in India has not been encouraging.
For the past several years, India has been struggling with rampant corruption, unsure
economy, and unclear foreign policy. Election after election has seen ineffective
governments come to power that have done more harm than good. However, not casting
one's vote will only worsen the condition. It is our duty as responsible citizens of India to
make informed decisions and choose the best candidate from those presented. Moreover,
with reforms like Right to Reject gaining wider support, it wouldn't be long before the system
of elections is improved.

Election Commission of India

Shri Achal Kumar Joti is the present Chief Election Commissioner of India.

Contact Details of Election Commissioners of India are:

Name Designation Email Office No. Office Fax

Mr. Achal Kumar Joti Chief Election Commissioner akjoti@eci.gov.in

23052132,23052134 23052249

Mr. Om Prakash Rawat Election Commissioner N/A 23052137,23052138 23052139

Mr. Sunil Arora Election Commissioner N/A 23052323,23052424 23052525

Mr. Vijay Kumar Dev Deputy Election Commissioner N/A 23052133 23052157

Mr. Sandeep Saxena Deputy Election Commissioner N/A 23052023,23052024 23052025

Mr. Umesh Sinha Deputy Election Commissioner N/A 23052081,23052226 23052227

Mr. Sudeep JainDeputy Election Commissioner N/A 23052232 23052234

Mr. Dilip Sharma Director General N/A 23052032,23052093 N/A

Mr. Dhirendra Ojha Director General N/A 23052015 23052203

About Election Commission of India

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a constitutional body responsible for administering
elections in India according to the rules and regulations mentioned in the Constitution of India. It
was established on January 25, 1950 with an aim to define and control the process for elections
conducted at various levels: Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice
President of India. In other words, the ECI ensures smooth and successful functioning of the
democracy.

Role of Election Commission of India

In its assigned role, the most crucial challenge before the Election Commission of India is to
implement norms and the Model Code of Conduct to ensure free and fair elections in the country. Its
existence and independence are necessitated by history, which has shown that democratic elections
are not free from sabotage. Towards this end, it has been empowered to oversee political parties
and candidates and take appropriate action in case of violations.

Structure

The secretariat of the Commission has 300 officials, and is located in New Delhi. The Deputy Election
Commissioners and Director Generals are the senior-most officers in the secretariat. The President
of India appoints the Chief Election Commissioner, who serves for six years and must retire at the
age of 65. The Commissioner is generally a member of the Civil Services, and more often, of the
Indian Administrative Services (IAS) or the Indian Revenue Services (IRS). He can be removed from
his office through the process of impeachment, which needs to be carried out in the Parliament. The
President of India can remove the other officers on the Chief Commissioner's recommendation.

Functions and Powers of ECI

The main functions of the ECI are as follows:

The Election Commission of India is considered the custodian of free and fair elections.

It issues the Model Code of Conduct in every election for political parties and candidates so that the
dignity of democracy is maintained.

It regulates political parties and registers them for being eligible to contest elections.

It publishes the allowed limits of campaign expenditure per candidate to all the political parties, and
also monitors the same.

The political parties must submit their annual reports to the ECI for getting tax benefit on
contributions.

It ensures that all the political parties regularly submit their audited financial reports.

Some of the powers wielded by the ECI are as follows:

The Commission can suppress the results of opinion polls if it deems such an action fit for the cause
of democracy.

The Commission can advise for disqualification of members after the elections if it thinks they have
violated certain guidelines.

In case, a candidate is found guilty of corrupt practices during the elections, the Supreme Court and
High Courts consult the Commission.

The Commission can suspend candidates who fail to submit their election expense accounts timely.

New Initiatives taken by Election Commission

In order to bring about various improvements and reforms in the election procedure, the ECI has
taken numerous steps. Some of them are as follows:

Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were introduced to improve reliability and efficiency. With the
help of EVMs, chances of any discrepancies in terms of counting of ballots are almost nil. Moreover,
the introduction of technology has just made a quick verdict possible as it just takes three to four
days to declare the results.

The website of the ECI was launched on February 28, 1998 to provide accurate information and
instant results of the elections.

Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPICs) were issued in 1993 to prevent electoral fraud. From the 2004
elections, these were made mandatory.

A few more initiatives taken in recent years by the ECI are:

New guidelines for broadcasting on State-owned electronic media.

Inspection of instances of criminalisation in politics.

Computerised electoral rolls.

Simplification of account maintenance and filing.

Measures for better enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct.

An additional Model Code of Conduct, applicable only to news media, is yet to be formulated to
ensure free, fair and unbiased media coverage of elections in India.

Budget & Expenses

The Election Commission of India and the Union Finance Ministry finalise the budget for the former's
Secretariat, which is liable for an independent budget. The recommendations of the Election
Commission are generally upheld by the Ministry of Finance. The concerned states and the Union
Territories have to manage the expenses of elections being held, but it is the Union Government
who bears the expenses of the Lok Sabha (parliamentary) elections entirely. In case of the legislative
assembly elections, the concerned State bears the expenses. If the Lok Sabha (Parliamentary) and
the assembly elections are taking place at the same time, the gross expenditure is equally shared
amongst the Union Government and the concerned state(s).

Address and Contact details

Election Commission of India

Nirvachan Sadan

Ashoka Road, New Delhi 110001

Tel: 011-23717391

Fax: 011-23713412

Email: feedbackeci@gmail.com

List of Former Chief Election Commissioners of India

S.No. Name Tenure

1 Achal Kumar Jyot July 6, 2017 to incumbent

President of India

Pranab Mukherjee, the President of India

President of India Factsheet

Name Ram Nath Kovind

Preceded by Pranab Mukherjee

Date of Birth Oct 01, 1945

Place of Birth Derapur, India

Qualifications B.Com and L.L.B. from Kanpur University

ReligionHindu

Spouse name Savita Kovind

Assumed office Jul 25, 2017

Children 1 Son & 1 daughter

Ram Nath Kovind Biography

The President of India is the head of the executive, legislature and judiciary of the country. Article 52
of the Constitution of India says that there should be a President of India. Article 53 says that all the
executive powers of the Union shall be exercised by him either directly or through officers
subordinate to him.

Current President of India

Ram Nath Kovind is the current and 14th President of India. Kovind assumed office on 25 July 2017
after winning the 2017 presidential election. He is the second dalit to become the President of India.
A lawyer by profession, Kovind practiced in the Delhi High Court and Supreme Court of India till
1993. In 1994 he became a Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha. He served as an MP from 1994 to
2006. From 2015 to 2017, Kovind was the Governor of Bihar.

Kovind was born on 1 October 1945 in Paraukh village in UP's Kanpur Dehat district in a dalit family.
Kovind recived his bachelor's degree in commerce and an LLB degree from DAV College. After
completing his education, Kovind took the civil services exam and cleared in the third attempt.
However, he did not join as he did not make it to the IAS but an allied service. Thereafter Kovind
began practicing law. He held important positions such as Central Government Advocate in Delhi
High Court, personal assistant of Prime Minister Morarji Desai, etc. In 1991, he joined the BJP and in
1994 became a Rajya Sabha MP.

Nominated by the NDA for the position of the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind defeated Meira
Kumar winning 65.65 percent of the valid votes.

Election of the President

Article 54 of the Indian Constitution discusses the election of the President. It says that the President
shall be elected by the members of an electoral college, which consists of the elected members of
both the Houses of Parliament, and the Legislative Assemblies of the States and the two Union
Territories, namely Delhi and Puducherry. The election of the President is held in accordance with a
system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote. He can be re-elected
to the office of the President. The oath of the President is administered by the Chief Justice of India,
and in his absence, by the most senior judge of the Supreme Court.
Eligibility

Article 58 of the Indian Constitution says that the presidential candidate must:

Be a citizen of India.

Have completed the age of thirty-five years.

Be qualified for elections as a member of the Lok Sabha.

Not hold any office of profit under the Union or any State government, or any local or other
authority.

Term of office

Article 56 of the Indian Constitution says that the President shall hold office for a term of five years
from the date he takes up his post. He may resign from his office by writing his resignation to the
Vice-President of India. But, he will continue to hold his office, in spite of tendering his resignation,
until his successor takes up his office. And, before his office gets vacated, an election should be held
for the same.

Article 61 provides for the manner in which he can be impeached on the violation of the
Constitution. The Vice-President acts as his substitute in case his office falls vacant on the grounds of
his death, resignation or impeachment or otherwise. Such a vacancy should be filled by an election
necessarily taking place within six months of his office falling vacant.

Impeachment of President

Impeachment is the process to remove the President of India from his office before his term expires.
The Impeachment can be carried out if the Constitution of India is violated by the President and the
proceedings can be initiated in either of the two houses of the Parliament. Two-thirds majority is
required to pass the resolution in the House. Thereafter, a notice signed by a quarter of the
members of the House and containing the charges is sent to the President. After 14 days the charges
are taken into consideration by the other House and in the meantime the President can defend
himself. If the charges are approved by the second House also then the President is said to have
been impeached. He has to leave his office.

Powers of President

The President of India is vested with the Executive, Legislative, Emergency, Diplomatic, Judicial and
Military powers.
Executive powers

All the executive powers of the Union shall be vested in him. These powers should be exercised by
him in accordance with the Constitution of India. He appoints the Prime Minister and the Council of
Ministers. He also appoints the judges of the Supreme Court and the High Courts in the states,
besides appointing the Attorney General and Comptroller and auditor General of India. Among other
critical powers, he enjoys the pardoning power, whereby he can pardon the death sentence
awarded to a convict.

Legislative powers

He can dissolve the Lok Sabha and end a session of the Parliament. He can also address the
Parliament in its first session every year. He can nominate 12 members to the Rajya Sabha. These
members must have extra ordinary accomplishments in the fields of science, art, literature and
social service. He can also nominate 2 members to the Lok Sabha from the Anglo-Indian Community.
When a bill is passed by the Parliament, the President can give or withhold his assent to it. He can
also return it to the Parliament, unless it's a Money Bill or a Constitutional Amendment Bill.

Emergency powers

He can declare national, state and financial emergency. National emergency can be declared on the
grounds of war, external aggression or armed rebellion in the country. This can be done on the
written request of the Cabinet Ministers after the proclamation has been approved by the
Parliament. State emergency can be imposed in a state if it fails to run constitutionally. Financial
emergency can be proclaimed if there is a likelihood of the financial instability in the country.

Financial powers

Only when the President recommends can a money bill be introduced in the Parliament. He lays the
Union budget before the Parliament and makes advances out of the Contingency Fund.

Diplomatic, Military and Judicial powers

He appoints ambassadors and high commissioners to other countries. All international treaties are
signed on his behalf. Under Military powers, he can declare war and conclude peace. He appoints
Chief of Army, Navy and Air Force. He can dismiss judges if two-third majority of the members
present of the two Houses of the Parliament pass the resolution to that effect.

Salary and residence of President of India

The salary and allowances of the President are fixed by the Parliament of India. The current salary of
the President is Rs 150000 per month. His official residence is Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

List of Presidents of India

S. No. Name Took office Left office Profiles

1 Shri Ram Nath Kovind (born on 1945) 25th July 2017 Incumbent Fourteenth
President of India and ex-Governor of Bihar

Vice President of India

Vice President of India Factsheet

Name Muppavarapu Venkaiah Naidu

Position Held Vice President of India

Preceded by Mohammad Hamid Ansari

Date of Birth Jul 01, 1949

Place of Birth Chavatapalem, Nellore

B.A. in Politics & Diplomatic, Bachelor's degree in

Qualifications
Law with specialization in International Law

Religion Hindu

Spouse name M. Ushamma

Assumed
Aug 11, 2017
office

Children One son and one daughter

 About Vice President of India
The office of the Vice President of India is the second highest constitutional office in India
after the commander-in-chief of the Indian Armed Forces. Also, the Vice President of India is
the ex-officio chairperson of the Rajya Sabha. An electoral college consisting of the
members of both the Houses of Parliament- the Upper House i.e. Rajya Sabha and the
Lower House i.e. Lok Sabha, elects the Vice President of India in accordance with the
system of proportional representation by means of single transferable vote. The voting in
such election is by secret ballot which is conducted by the Election Commission. The Vice
President of India is not a member of any House of Parliament or of a House of a Legislature
of a State. The term of the office of Vice President is five years. 

The current Vice President of India is Muppavarapu Venkaiah Naidu. He defeated the
oppositional candidate Gopalkrishna Gandhi by a margin of 272 votes in the Vice
Presidential elections held on 5th August, 2017. Venkaiah Naidu becomes the 13th Vice
President of India. A brilliant orator and with a keen interest in politics, Shri Naidu joined
ABVP as a student leader in 1973. He came into the spotlight for his prominent role in the
Jai Andhra Movement of 1972. Shri Naidu protested against the Emergency, fought for the
fundamental rights and was even imprisoned during the dark days of Emergency. He was a
swayam sevak in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and joined ABVP during his college
days. Its the second time that Shri Venkaiah Naidu has served as the Cabinet Minister. He
fought against the forces of oppression and corruption. His contributed significantly towards
the cause of the farmers, rural people and towards the development of the backward areas.
He was the Minister of Urban Development, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation and
Parliamentary Affairs from 2014-2017. He served as the Minister of Information and
Broadcasting from 2016-2017 

Role of the Vice President

According to the Constitution of India, the office of the Vice President is the second highest
constitutional post in independent India. The Vice President is the 'ex-officio' Chairperson of
the Rajya Sabha. The office of the Vice President in India is complementary to that of the
President, in that, the Vice President takes over the role of the President in the latter’s
absence. In other words, the role of the Vice President is to assist the President in being the
nominal head of the Republic of India. However, one must remember that the office of the
President and the Vice President cannot be combined in one person, as per the Constitution
of India.

Powers and Functions of the Vice President

The Vice President of India, after the President, is the highest dignitary of India, and certain
powers are attached to the office of the Vice President. These are:

 The Vice President shall discharge the functions of the President during the
temporary absence of the President due to illness or any other cause due to which the
President is unable to carry out his functions.
 The Vice President shall act as the President, in case of any vacancy in the office of
the President by reason of his death, resignation, removal through impeachment or
otherwise. The Vice President shall take over the duties of the President until a new
President is elected and resumes office.
 The Vice President is the ex-officio Chairman of the Council of States.
 When the Vice President acts as, or discharges the functions of the President, he or
she immediately ceases to perform the normal functions of being the Chairman of the
Council of States.
Inside the page
Election of the President of India Salary of the Vice PresidentFacilities for the Vice
PresidentSelection Process of the Vice PresidentDuty Term or Period of the Vice
PresidentPension of the Vice PresidentResidence of the Vice President Interesting
FactsList of Vice Presidents of India

Eligibility Criteria
The qualifications needed to become a Vice President of India are the following:

 He or she must be a citizen of India.

 He or she must be over 35 years of age.
 He or she must not hold any office of profit.
 He or she must be qualified for election as a Member of the Rajya Sabha or the
Council of States.
Salary of the Vice President
The Vice President is entitled to receiving the salary of the Chairman of the Council of
States, which presently amounts to Rs 1,25,000 per month. However, when the Vice
President performs the functions of the President or discharges the duties of the President,
in the latter’s temporary absence, he is entitled to the salary as well as special privileges of
the President.

Facilities for the Vice President

The Vice President, unlike the President, is not entitled to any special emoluments and
privileges during his term of office. However, when he discharges the duties of the President
in the latter’s absence, the Vice President enjoys all the benefits that are enjoyed by the
President, during that tenure.

Selection Process of the Vice President

Like the election of the President, the election of the Vice President is indirect and in
accordance with the system of proportional representation, through the concept of a single
transferable vote by secret ballot. The electoral college, which consists of members of both
 houses of the Parliament, cast their votes to elect the Vice President. However, there is a
slight difference in the election of the Vice President and that of the President. The members
of the State Legislatures have no role to play in the election of the Vice President, unlike that
of the President.

The Election Commission of India, which holds elections in the country, is responsible for
ensuring that free and fair elections to the post of a Vice President are held in the following
steps:

 A Returning Officer who is appointed for the elections, sends out public notices
issuing the date of election to the office of the Vice President. The elections for the same
must be held within a period of 60 days of the expiry of the term of office of the previous Vice
President.
 The nomination of candidates to the office of a Vice President must be affirmed by 20
electors (Members of Parliament) who act as proposers, and 20 electors who act as
seconders.
 Each candidate must deposit a total of Rs 15,000 to the Reserve Bank of India, as
part of the nomination process.
 The Returning Officer carefully scrutinises and adds to the ballot, the names of all
eligible candidates.
 The elections are then held by proportional representation by means of a single
transferable vote. The nominated candidates can also cast their votes.
 The Returning Officer declares the results to the electoral college, the Central
Government and the Election Commission of India, respectively. The name of the Vice
President is then officially announced by the Central Government.
Duty Term or Period of the Vice President
The office of the Vice President is for a period of five years. There is no fixed retirement age
to the Vice President, as he or she can remain in the post for five years. However, he or she
can be re-elected as the Vice President for any number of times. The office of the Vice
President can also terminate earlier before the fixed five-year term, either by resignation or
by removal by the President. There is no formal process of impeachment for the removal of
the Vice President, and a removal proceeding can be initiated when members of the Rajya
Sabha vote against the Vice President in an effective majority and members of Lok Sabha
agree to this decision in a simple majority. A total of 14 days advance notice must be given
prior to the initiation of the removal proceedings of the Vice President. In such cases, when a
temporary vacancy in the office of the Vice President is created, the Deputy Chairman of the
Rajya Sabha takes over the role of the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

Pension of the Vice President

Although there is no particular fixed pension in the Constitution for the Vice President of
India, according to the Vice President’s Pension Act of 1997, the pension of the Vice
President is half of the salary that he/she is entitled to, during his term of office.
 Residence of the Vice President
Unlike the President, the Vice President is not allotted any special residential privileges while
in office. While the President of India stays in the Rastrapati Bhavan, the Vice President is
not subject to any such benefits during his or her tenure as the Vice President.

Interesting Facts
 Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was the first Vice President of independent India,
elected to the office in 1952.
 The only Vice President to be re-elected for a second term was Dr. S Radhakrishnan,
who again became the Vice President in the year 1957.
 No Vice President, in the history of independent India, has had to face removal
proceedings before the expiry of the term of office.
 K R Narayanan, Shankar Dayal Sharma, R Venkataraman, V V Giri, Zakir Hussain
and Dr. S Radhakrishnan, each of whom was a President of India at different points in time,
remained Vice Presidents before they were elected as Presidents.
 The present Vice President of India, Muppavarapu Venkaiah Naidu, has served as
the Minister of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, Urban Development and Information
and Broadcasting in the Modi Cabinet.
List of Vice Presidents of India
Vice President From To Pre

Venkaiah Naidu 11 Aug 2017 Incumbent Ram Nath Kov

Mohammad Hamid Ansari 11

Government of India

Structure of Government of India

The Government in India or the central or the union government is divided into three main
sections namely the executive, legislature and the judiciary shown as under. The
responsibility of each section of the government is also mentioned along. 

Government of India(Central/Union Government)ExecutiveExecutive consists of :1.

President2. Vice President3. Cabinet MinistersLegislatureor ParliamentLegislature consists
 of :1. Lok Sabha +Rajya Sabha2. Prime minister (MP)JudiciaryJudiciary consists of
:Supreme Court of IndiaResponsibilty|To pass the laws madeby the
LegislatureResponsibilty|To make lawsResponsibilty|1. To solve conflictsbetween Executive
andLegislature2. other public relatedmatters or conflicts

Ministers of India

Structure of State Government of India

The state legislature or the state assembly in India is headed by the chief minister of that
state. The state legislature is divided into two parts namely the vidhan sabha and the vidhan
parishad. The governor for the state assemblies is elected by the chief minister himself.

Below a complete flowchart is given about the state legislatures (assemblies) in India to
make things more clear.

State Legislature or StateAssemblies headed by CMelected by the people of that

stateelected by MLAs, standing graduates, governor etc.VIDHAN SABHAGovernor elected
byPresident of IndiaVIDHAN PARISHAD1. Fixed no. of seats in every state. 2. Diff. Number
of seats for diff. states1. size cannot be more than 1/3 of the seats reserved for MLA's 2.
cannot be less than 40 xcept J&K(36)Elected members called MLA (Member of Legislative
Assembly)Elected members called MLC (Member of Legislative Council)MLAs present in all
states of India and in two of the Union TerritoriesMLCs only in 7 states namely UP, Bihar,
J&K, Assam, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and KarnatakaCabinet Ministers of state
made from amongst these selected MLAsNo MLC can be member of Cabinet of Ministers

List of Chief Ministers of Indian States

Structure of Union Territories Administration in India

There are a total of 7 union territories in India namely Delhi, Pondicherry, Daman and Diu,
Dadra & Nagar, Chandigarh, Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The
administrative structure of Delhi, Pondicherry is quite different from those of the rest of the
union territories. 

Go through the flow chart to know the difference between the two sets of UT's in India.

Administrative Structure of union territories in IndiaDelhiDaman and

DiuChandigarhAndaman & NicobarPondicherryDadra & NagarLakshadweep1. partial state
 hood given 2. legislative assemblies and the executive councils of ministers. 3. has own
CM 4. Lieutenant governor, normally incharge of U.T. In case CM Not present1 . are ruled
directly by the Central Government. 2. An administrator, who is an IAS officer or an MP is
appointed by the President of India for effective adminstration of the U.T.

List of Governors of Indian States

Structure of Local Government Bodies in India

Village (rural) Administration:
Panchayati Raj: Basic unit of Administration in India, comprising of three levels -
1. Gram (Village) - Gram Panchayat (for one or more than one village)
2. Taluka/Tehsil (Block) - Panchayat Samiti
3. Zila (District) - Zila Panchayat

Gram Panchayat elects one Sarpanch and other members. 

Powers and responsibilities of Gram Panchayat:

1. Preparation of the economic development plan and social justice plan.
2. Implementation of schemes for economic development and social justice.
3. To levy and collect appropriate taxes, duties, tolls and fees.

Block Panchayat/Panchayat Samiti comprised of all Aarpanchas of the Panchayat samiti

area, the MPs and MLAs of the area, the SDO of the subdivision and some other members
from the weaker section of society. Block Panchayat/Panchayat Samiti works for the villages
of the tehsil or taluka that together are called a Development Block. 

Zila Panchayat Chief of administration is an IAS officer and other members are elected by
the Gram Panchayats and Panchayat Samitis. 

City (urban) Administration

Mahanagar Nigam (Municipal Corporation ): In Metro cities. At present around 88 Nagar
Nigam are in operation. From every ward, there is a Sabhashad, elected by the voters,
whereas one Mayor elected separately. 

Nagar Palika (Municipality) : Cities having more than 1,00,000 population (there are
exceptions as the earlier threshold was 20,000, so all those who have a Nagar Palika earlier,
sustains it even though their population is below 1,00,000). From every ward, a member is
elected whereas Chairman is elected separately. 

Nagar Panchayat/Nagar Parishad (Notified Area Council/City Council): Population more than
11,000 but less than 25,000. 
Municipal Corporation

About Municipal Corporation in India

The urban local government which works for the development of any Metropolitan City with a
population of more than one million is known as the Municipal Corporation in India. The
members of the Municipal Corporation are directly elected by the people and 

are called Councillors.

Who are the members of a Municipal Corporation

The Municipal Corporation consists of a committee which includes a Mayor with Councillors.
The Corporations provide necessary community services to the Metropolitan Cities and are
formed under the Corporation Act of 1835 of Panchayati Raj system. The Mayor heads the
Municipal Corporation. The corporation remains under the charge of Municipal
Commissioner. The Executive Officers along with the Mayor and Councillors monitor and
implement the programs related to planning the development of the corporation. The number
of Councillors also depends upon the area and population of the city. In India, the four
metropolitan cities; Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai, have the largest corporations.

Who conducts Municipal Corporation Elections

The elections to the Municipal Corporations are conducted under the guidance, direction,
superintendence and control of the State Election Commission. The corporations fall under
the State government jurisdiction, therefore there are no uniform provisions for the election
of the municipal bodies. In some States, the elections are organised by the state
governments, while in some states, the Executive Officers arrange the same.

Delhi Municipal Elections 2017

MCD Elections 2017

MCD Election 2017 Date
MCD Election 2012 Results
NDMC Ward List 2017
MCD Opinion Poll 2017
How are Municipal Corporation Elections conducted?
The members of the Municipal Corporation are elected by the people through direct
elections. The elections are held for a particular ward in the city. The electoral roll of a
particular ward elects the representative or Councillor for their ward. The electoral roll for
each ward is divided in to one or several parts depending upon the area within the ward
where the voters of each part reside. This means that the voters included in each part
belong to a street or a road or a named area within that ward. The voters from all the parts
together form the electoral roll of a particular ward.
 Qualification for contesting Municipal Corporation elections
A person can contest elections for Municipal Corporation if he/she fulfills the following
criteria:

 She/he must be a citizen of India

 She/he must have attained the age of 21 years
 His/her name is registered in the Electoral Roll of a ward
 She/he is not earlier disqualified for contesting Municipal Corporation elections.
 She/he must not be an employee of any Municipal Corporation in India
There are few seats which are reserved for scheduled tribes, scheduled castes, backward
classes and women. Every candidate's nomination form should have a declaration stating
the class, caste, or tribe that she/he belongs to. There should be a declaration that the
candidate is a woman, in case the seat is reserved for a women candidate.

The Term of a Municipal Corporation

The office of Municipal Corporation runs for a period of five years since the beginning of its
first meeting. It is subject to dissolution under various circumstances:

 If the State finds the Corporation lagging in its duties

 If the State finds the corporation exceeding or abusing its power
 Declaration of the Municipal elections in the State as void, or withdrawal of the entire
area of the ward from the municipal operations.
Functions of Municipal Corporation
The Municipal Corporation looks after providing the essential services to the people of that
district/area which includes:

 Hospitals
 Water Supply
 Drainage
 Market places
 Fire Brigades
 Roads
 Over Bridge
 Solid Waste
 Street Lightning
 Parks
 Education
 Birth and Death Records in the Area
Roles and Duties of a Councillor
The Councillors under the Municipal Corporations perform the following duties:

 To work towards the welfare and interests of the municipality as a whole.

 To participate in the council meetings, council committee meetings and meetings of
other related bodies.
 To participate in developing and evaluating the programs and policies of the
municipality
 To keep the privately discussed matters in council meetings in confidence.
 To get all the information from the chief administrative officer about the operation and
administration of the municipality.
 To perform any other similar or necessary duties.

Election FAQs

1. Who holds the highest power in the Government ?

As per article 53 (1) Of the constitution, the highest power is vested in the hands of The
President of India. The President enjoys all constitutional powers and exercises them directly
or through officers lower ranked than him. The President is to act in accordance with aid and
advice tendered by the Prime Minister of India (head of government) and Council of
Ministers (the cabinet) as described in Article 74 of the Indian Constitution.

2. What are the local body elections which happen in India ?

Municipality Elections Nagar Palika is an urban local body that is in charge of administering
smaller district cities and bigger towns with a population of 100,000 or more.

Elections to Nagar Panchayat also known as Notified Area Council,exist in urban centres
with more than 11,000 and less than 25,000 inhabitants.

Elections to Zila Parishad or The District Council is an elected body whose members are
elected on the basis of adult franchise for a term of five years. It needs to have a minimum of
50 members with a maximum limit being 75.

Village Panchayat Elections : It’s mandatory for a village having a population of 500 to have
a Gram Panchayat. Its members are elected by the villagers for a period of five years. The
elections of the Gram Panchayat are conducted by state election commissioner in alliance
with the District Collector and Tehsildar.

Election to Panchayat Samiti is composed of elected members of the area including the
heads of the Gram Panchayats within the block area, the elected members of the Lok
Sabha, Rajya Sabha and the state legislature who belong to the block.

3. What is Universal Adult Suffrage ?

Universal Adult franchise gives all citizens of a country the right to vote without
discrimination of religion, class, color or gender. It is based on the basic principle of
democracy which is equality for all. To deny any person from exercising this free right to vote
is violation of their right to equality .
4. What is the difference between general elections and assembly elections ?
General Elections are held every five years, for the selection of Members of Parliament. The
MPs are the representative of people who are elected directly by the people on the basis of
Universal Adult Suffrage. General Elections are conducted in the entire country in different
phases. Once the elections have happened in all the states, the results are declared. The
leader of the political party, which wins the national majority, is then selected to head the
nation (Prime Minister of the country). to become the Chief Minister of the state.

Assembly Elections are held state wise in India every 5 years and in this the Indian
electorate choose the members of the Vidhan Sabha (or Legislative Assembly). The elected
member are called MLAs. The assembly elections are never carried out in same year across
all states and union territories. The party which wins with majority can form government in
the state. The majority party then elects a candidate who has contested election from the
state. 

5. Who can vote in India? 

Any individual who is a citizen of the country and is above 18 years of age can vote in India.
For Click to know more...

6. What is a Voter ID Card? 

A voter ID card which is also known as election card or Electors Photo Identity Card is a
document of identification issued by the Election Commission of India. The purpose of the
card is to serve as an identity proof Indian citizens while casting their vote in their respective
Municipal, State or National elections. The voter card also serves as a proof of identity,
address, and age for various other purposes like making a passport to getting a drivers
license. Click to more about Voter ID card....
7. What is article 370
Under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, Jammu & Kashmir is granted autonomy. It gives
special status to the state: Because of this article, residents of Kashmir follow separate set of
laws in terms of citizenship, property ownership, and other rights. Except finance, defence,
communications, and foreign affairs, central government needs the state government’s
consensus for applying all other laws. Click to know more about article 370...

8. How a Political party is registered?

The first step towards being recognized as a political party is to get registered with the
Election Commission of India. Registration is mandatory for a party, following which it can
avail the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 Click to know more...
9. What is the process of selection of chief minister
Once the results of legislative assembly elections are out and a political party or alliance
gets a majority stake, the MLAs of the said party/coalition sit and elect a head for them, then
the Governor invites that leader to form the government. Click to know more...

10. What are EVMs 

The Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) have been introduced to bring in convenience in the
electoral process and ensure flawless counting of votes. EVMs have proven to be a far
better replacement for the old paper ballot system. Click to know more...

11. What is the outside support to Govt.?

Outside support means supporting any political party which has a chance to get majority to
form a government, but one provides outside support without taking any position/or actually
joining that government.

12. How can a regional party become a national/state party ?

A regional political party can become eligible to be recognised as a national party if it is able
to fulfill any of the following terms:
o The regional party has been able to win 2% of the seats in the latest held Lok
Sabha (11 seats) from a minimum of three different states.

o In an election to the Lok Sabha or Legislative Assembly,if the regional party is

able to win 4 lok sabha seats and has polled 6 % of the total valid votes in at least four
states.
o The regional party is recognized as a state party in a minimum of four states
in the country.

13. What are the main categories of electors in India?

Electors are citizens who are eligible to vote in India. They are of three main types or
categories–
1. General Electors– residents of India who can vote in a polling booth
2. Service Electors– residents of India who work for the Indian Government away from their
home or are in the Armed Forces
3. Overseas Electors– non-residential Indians who have not taken citizenship of any other
country

14. Who is eligible to be registered as a general elector?

To be eligible to be registered as a general elector, the person has to be:
A citizen of India,
 18 or more years of age as on the 1st day of the year when the electoral roll is revised,
Residing in India,
Enrolled in the electoral roll of India or the polling area of the Indian constituency where
he/she resides.

15. What is Form 6?

Form 6 is an application form issued by the Election Commission of India for Indian citizens
who wish to register their names in the electoral roll. This form is generally filled and filed for
the constituency within which the elector resides.

16. From where can Form 6 can be obtained?

There are two ways of obtaining Form 6–
The website of Election Commission of India (www.eci.nic.in/) has the form in the PDF
format. It can be easily downloaded and printed.
Form 6 is also available at the office of the Electoral Registration Officer or the assistant or
the Booth Level Officer of the polling area where the elector resides. There is no charge for
obtaining this form.

17. What documents are required to be enclosed with Form 6?

While filling out Form 6, the elector needs to submit it along with certain documents. Here is
a list of required documents– 1. Single and recent passport sized photograph (should be
affixed in the space provided in the form)
2. Photocopy of age proof (like birth certificate, school mark sheet or admit card that
mentions the electors date of birth, passport, Aadhar card, PAN card, and driving license)
3. Photocopy of address proof (like current pass book issued by a post office or bank, ration
card, driving license, passport, income tax assessment order, letter delivered through the
Indian Postal Department, recent telephone, gas or electricity bill and latest rent agreement).

18. Can a non- citizen of India contest elections in India?

No, an election candidate cannot be a non-citizen of India. According to the Constitution,
Article 84 (a), only a citizen of India can be chosen to fill up a seat in the Parliament. Same is
true for State Legislative Assemblies, as per the provisions given in Article 173 (a) of the
Indian Constitution.

19. Who is an overseas (NRI) elector?

Indian citizens living outside the country for work, education or any other reason are
categorized as overseas (NRI) electors. Such non-resident Indians are qualified as electors
only if they have not acquired any other country’s citizenship.
20. Can an NRI settled in foreign land become an elector of electoral roll in India?
There is a provision in the Representation of People Act, 1950 (Section 20A), which states
that “An NRI settled in a foreign land can be an elector of electoral roll in India”. The NRI
must hold a valid Indian passport that mentions his/her place of residence in India.

21. Can a non-citizen of India become a voter in the electoral rolls in India?
No, voting in India is only limited to citizens of India. People holding citizenship of another
country are not eligible to vote or register in the electoral rolls in India. People who were
Indian citizens earlier, but now have acquired citizenship of another country are also not
eligible.

22. Who is eligible to be registered as a voter?

Eligibility to be registered as a voter in India are as follows–
Person has to be a citizen of India;
He/she must be 18 or more years of age, as on the year of the electoral roll revision;
He/she should hold proof of residence in India no matter where he is living at the moment.

23. What is NOTA?

NOTA is the abbreviation for “None of the Above”. It is a recent addition with the Election
Commission of India. According to the Supreme Court judgment, dated 27th September
2013, the Electronic Voting Machines across India will have a “None of the Above” or NOTA
option at the end of the list of candidates. This would allow voters, who do not consider any
of the candidates eligible to still cast their votes.

24. What is VVPAT?

VVPAT is an acronym for Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail system. It is a machine that
generates a slip of paper after the voter casts his/her vote in the Electronic Voting Machine.
The paper slip will show the symbol and candidate, the voter has cast his/her vote for.

25. Can a person confined in jail vote in an election?

No, a person confined in jail cannot vote in an election in India. As per the provisions given
in the Representation of People Act, 1951, Section 62 (5), a person in prison, “under
sentence of imprisonment or transportation or otherwise, or in the lawful custody of the
police” is not eligible to cast his vote in an election.

26. How much is the security deposit for an election?

A general candidate has to pay a security deposit of Rupees Twenty Five Thousand (Rs.
25,000) for Lok Sabha Election. Candidates belonging to the Scheduled Caste or Scheduled
Tribe (SC/ST) are eligible for concession of Rupees Twelve Thousand Five Hundred Only
 (Rs. 12,500). As for Assembly Elections, general candidates have to pay Rupees Ten
Thousand Only (Rs. 10,000), and those belonging to SC/ST have to pay Rupees Five
Thousand Only (Rs. 5,000).

27. Which candidates lose the deposit?

Candidates who have been unable to obtain at least “one-sixth of the valid votes polled in
the constituency” are not eligible to get their security deposits returned.

28. Is a candidate free to spend as much as he likes on his election?

No, a candidate cannot spend any amount of money on his election campaign. The Conduct
of Election Rules, 1961, Rule 90, mentions the maximum limit of election expenditure by a
candidate. Exceeding the limit is considered a corrupt practice under section 123 (6) of the
Representation of People Act, 1951.

29. Can anyone vote more than once, even if his name is included (wrongly) at
more than one place?
No, voting more than once is against the law, even if a voter’s name is registered mistakenly
or wrongly in more than one place.

30. What is the penalty if a candidate does not file his account of election
expenses?
The penalty for a candidate who did not file his account of election expenses is
disqualification from becoming a “member of either House of Parliament or Legislative
Assembly or Legislative Council of a State” for a period of three years.

31. What is the procedure for political party registration?

The procedure for political party registration is as follows –
1. The Election Commission issues a proforma for new political parties. It can be
downloaded from the official website or obtained in person from the Commission’s office in
New Delhi.
2. The application should be as per the prescribed proforma, neatly typed having the political
party’s letter head.
3. The application should be accompanied with a demand draft of Rs. 10,000/-, which is the
non-refundable processing fee. The demand draft should be in favour of the Under
Secretary, Election Commission of India, New Delhi.
4. The application should mention the party’s memorandum, list of rules and regulations,
members and their details, particulars of bank account and PAN number issued in the
party’s name, and about their constitution.
5. The application and associated documents should reach the Secretary to the Election
Commission of India within 30 days from the party’s formation date.
32. What are the criteria for recognition of a party?
The criteria for recognition of a political party in the State level is as follows –
The party should be active in the political circuit for five years continuously;
The party should have a mandatory certain fraction of representation in the Legislative
Assembly or Legislative Council of the State;
or The party should have won at least six percent of the total number of valid votes for the
last general State election.
The criteria for recognition of a political party in the National level is as follows –
The party should be recognized in atleast four Indian states, and should continue to engage
in political activity regularly.

33. What are the roles of ECI?

The Election Commission of India is an autonomous organization under the Constitution of
the country that was formed to ensure free and fair elections in the country. It takes on
multiple roles for ensuring that elections are conducted without any error across every nook
and corner of India. Here is a list of roles of the ECI–
o Registration and maintenance of the electoral rolls
o Educating voters about their rights and process of voting
o Registration of political parties
o Regulation of laws for the political parties
o Issuance and marking of polling areas and constituencies
o Appointment and maintenance of officers working in each and every polling
booth and area
o Managing the technological aspects of voting

34. Who elects the members of Rajya Sabha?

The members of the State Legislative Assemblies who are elected by the people of India are
responsible for electing Rajya Sabha members. The system of election is “of proportional
representation by means of the single transferable vote”.

35. What was the total strength of Lok Sabha in 1st general election?
The total strength of Lok Sabha in the first general election was 489

Lok Sabha

About Lok Sabha - House of the People

The supreme legislative body, the Parliament of India comprises of the President and the
two Houses -Lok Sabha (House of the People) and Rajya Sabha (Council of States). The
Lok Sabha is also known as the Lower House of the parliament of India. In Sanskrit, "Lok"
signifies "people" and "Sabha" signifies "assembly".

An Infographics View of Lok SabhaThe members of the Lok Sabha are the
representatives of people who are elected directly by the people on the basis of Universal
Adult Suffrage. The strength of the members can go maximum up to 552. 530 members
represent the States, while 20 members represent the Union Territories. The President of
the country nominates two members from the Anglo-Indian community. The Lok Sabha runs
for a period of five years from the date of its first meeting. It ends in two cases only – if the
tenure of the government gets completed after five years or if the Lok Sabha gets dissolved
due to any political, economic or social issue.

Inside the page

Key Members of 16th Lok Sabha Cabinet Ministers of Modi Sarkar Map of General Elec

State-wise list of PC in India State Wise Lok Sabha Election Results 2014 How are the PCs for

What is General Election in India India General Elections History Political History of In

State-wise list of parliamentary constituencies (Lok Sabha

seats), in India, and their sitting MPs

The table shows the parliamenttary constituencies in each state with the name of the sitting
MP along with the MP's performance report.

Key members of 16th Lok Sabha

Position Name

Protem Speaker Kamal Nath

Speaker Sumitra Mahajan

Deputy Speaker M. Thambi Durai

Leader of the House Narendra Modi

 Leader of the Opposition Mapanna Mallikarjun Kharge

Secretary General Anoop Mishra

State Wise Lok Sabha Election Results 2014

The table below shows the number of Lok Sabha seats in each state along with the seats
won by BJP, INC and all the other parties in 2014 Lok Sabha Elections.

State Total Seats BJP INC Others

Jammu And Kashmir Results 6 3 0 JKPDP (3)

Himachal Pradesh Results 4 4 0

Punjab Results 13 2 3 AAP (4) SAD (4)

Chandigarh Results 1 1 0

Uttarakhand Results 5 5 0

Haryana Results 10 7 1 INLD (2)

Uttar Pradesh Results 80 71 2 SP (5) AD (2)

Bihar Results 40 22 2 JD(U) (2) LJP (6) RLSP(3) RJD (4)

Jharkhand Results 14 12 0 JMM (2)

West Bengal Results 42 2 4 AITC (34) CPM (2)

Assam Results 14 7 3 AIUDF (3) IND (1)

Meghalaya Results 2 0 1 NPP (1)

Tripura Results 2 0 0 CPM (2)

Mizoram Results 1 0 1

Manipur Results 2 0 2

Nagaland Results 1 0 0 NPF (1)

Arunachal Pradesh 2 1 1

Orissa Results 21 1 0 BJD (20)

Karnataka Results 28 17 9 JD(S) (2)

Kerala Results 20 0 8 CPM (5) CPI (1) IUML (2) RSP (1) KEC(M

Madhya Pradesh Results 29 27 2

Maharashtra Results 48 23 2 NCP (4) SWP (1) SHS (1

Rajasthan Results 25 25 0

Sikkim Results 1 0 0 SDF (1)

Tamil Nadu Results 39 1 0 PMK (1) AIADMK (37)

Andaman & Nicobar Islands Results 1 1 0

Dadra And Nagar Haveli Results 1 1 0

Daman And Diu Results 1 1 0

Delhi Results 7 7 0
 Lakshadweep Results 1 0 0 NCP (1)

Puducherry Results 1 0 0 AINRC (1)

Chhattisgarh Results 11 10 1

Goa Results 2 2 0

Gujarat Results 26 26 0

Andhra Pradesh Results 42 3 2 TDP (16) YSRCP (9) AIMIM (1)

How are the parliamentary constituencies formed in India

There are 543 constituencies in India. The size of the constituency is determined by the
Delimitation Commission. The commission aims at creating the constituencies on the basis
of population, subject to the geographical considerations and the boundaries of the states
and administrative areas. Under the provisions of the Delimitation Commission Act, the
Delimitation Commission is established. The recent delimitation of the parliamentary
constituencies was conducted after the census figures of 2001 which comes under the
provisions of the Delimitation Act 2002. However, it is amended by the Constitution of India
that no delimitation of constituencies shall take place till the 2026 first census.

What is General Election in India

The general election, considered to be the biggest exercise in Indian democracy, is held to
form the central government. The election is conducted when the ruling government
completes its five-year term or if the parliament is dissolved. It decides the fate of all the
parties in the country and provides its citizens the chance to elect their representatives. The
results of voting in all 543 constituencies of the Parliament of India contribute to the
formation of the government. A party must secure at least 272 seats to form the government.
The general elections are conducted and organised by the Election Commission of India
(ECI).

India General Elections History

The current Lok Sabha (the lower house of the Indian Parliament) is the 16th Lok Sabha,
whose members were elected in the last general elections, held between 7 April 2014 and
12 May 2014. The current NDA government took office on 26th May 2014. The members of
the Lok Sabha are elected for a term of five years, therefore, the term of the current Lok
Sabha will officially end by May 2019. Elections for the next or 17th Lok Sabha will need to
be held before May 2019 to enable a new government to be formed. The next elections for
the Lok Sabha will held after five years in the year 2019 when NDA will complete its term as
a government.

The Parliament of India comprises of two houses - the Lok Sabha (House of the People) or
the Lower House and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) or the Upper House. The Lok
Sabha is made up of a total of 552 Members of Parliament. Each of these 552 members
represents a particular geographic region from across India. These geographic units are
known as the Parliamentary Constituencies. In other words, these Parliamentary
Constituencies constitute the number of seats in the Lok Sabha. 

Out of these 552 MPs, upto 530 members can represent the states, upto 20 members can
represent the Union Territories and 2 members can represent the Anglo-Indian community.
Members from each of these Parliamentary Constituencies are elected directly by the voters
of the particular constituency, according to the Universal Adult Franchise. The elections are
held after a period of every 5 years, if the Lok Sabha is not dissolved sooner. Each state has
a fixed number of Parliamentary Constituencies which are represented in the Lok Sabha. 

The supervision and responsibility of the elections to these Parliamentary Constituencies is

carried out by a centralized, independent statutory body called the Election Commission.
The size and structure of each of these constituencies is outlined in Section 4 of the
Representation of the People Act, 1950. The current 16th Lok Sabha session, which was
formed in 2014, has 543 Parliamentary Constituencies. Uttar Pradesh has the maximum
number of Parliamentary Constituencies allotted to it, numbering 80.

Political History of India

Ever since India adopted its constitution after its independence in 1947, it has been a
sovereign democratic republic. India has a federal form of government where its central
government has far greater powers than that of the states. Since India has a multi-party
system, several national and regional parties operate on central and regional fronts. If a
political party operates in more than 4 states, it becomes a national party.

For most of the democratic history, the central government in India has been led by the
Indian National Congress (INC). The Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP) is another major political
party in the country. The INC has in power for 54 out of 67 years of independence of India.
Except for two short spells by the BJP, the INC led the nation from 1950 to 1990. The BJP
ruled from 1977 to 1980. Then, in 1989, a National Front Coalition that had Janata Dal as
the leading party and the Left Front as ally, ruled for only two years. Both these times, it was
public discontent over political issues that threw the INC out of power.
The 1990s saw times of political unrest in India as no single party managed to get clear
majority and coalitions were the order of the day. As a result of the 1991 general elections,
the INC came to power to form a minority government.

From 1996 to 1998, the central government was ruled sixteenth by the BJP and then by a
left-supporting United Front coalition. And then in 1998, the BJP led National Democratic
Alliance became the sixteenth non-INC government which completed a full-term of 5 years.
During this decade, several new regional players emerged, like Lok Dal, Bahujan Samaj
Party, Samajwadi Party and Janata Dal. 

However, the 2004 general elections again brought the INC at the helm of political affairs as
the party gained the maximum number of seats and formed the United Progressive Alliance
with Left parties and many other regional parties. In the 2009 parliamentary elections, the
INC won the largest number of seats and formed a government by leading a coalition with
smaller parties, with the BJP in opposition.

Now, in 2014, BJP has come to power with their spectacular win. The party has won the
clear majority and gained 282 seats. BJP has formed the NDA alliance to rule and power the
government in India with Narendra Modi as its Prime Minister.

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Indian States' Elections

Information on all State in India

An elector is rightfully entitled to access basic information as carried on this State Election
page. All the essential information about the various governments and their tenures in all the
states of India, their Chief Ministers and the number of seats allotted to Legislative
Assembly, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha for each state is available here. Just click on to see
the relevant information. 

Current Chef Ministers of all States in India

 S.No. House/State Current CM Tenure PC Seats AC

1 Andhra Pradesh Chandrababu Naidu(TDP) Jun 8, 2014 - Present 25 17

2 Arunachal Pradesh Pema Khandu(BJP) July 17, 2016 - Present 2 60

3 Assam Sarbananda Sonowal(BJP) May 24, 2016 - Present 14 12

4 Bihar Nitish Kumar(JD(U)) Feb 22, 2015 - Present 40 24

5 Chhattisgarh Dr. Raman Singh(BJP) Dec 07, 2003 - Present 11 90

6 Delhi Arvind Kejriwal(AAP) Feb 14, 2015 - Present 7 70

7 Goa Manohar Parrikar (BJP) Mar 14, 2017 - Present 2 40

8 Gujarat Vijay Rupani(BJP) Aug 07, 2013 - Present 26 18

9 Haryana Manohar Lal Khattar(BJP) Oct 26, 2014 - Present 10 90

10 Himachal Pradesh Virbhadra Singh(INC) Dec 25, 2012 - Present 4 68

11 Jammu and Kashmir Mufti Mohammad Sayeed(JKNC) April 04, 2016 - Present 6 87

12 Jharkhand Raghubar Das(BJP) Dec 28, 2014 - Present 14 81

13 Karnataka K. Siddaramaiah(INC) May 13, 2013 - Present 28 22

14 Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan(CPM) May 25, 2016 - Present 20 14

15 Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chauhan(BJP) Nov 29, 2005 - Present 29 23

16 Maharashtra Devendra Gangadhar Fadnavis(BJP) Oct 31, 2014 - Present 48 28

17 Manipur Nongthombam Biren Singh (BJP) Mar 15, 2017 - Present 2 60

18 Meghalaya Mukul Sangma(INC) Jul 20, 2010 - Present 2 60

19 Mizoram Pu Lalthanhawla(INC) Dec 7, 2008 - Present 1 40

20 Nagaland TR Zeliang(NPF) July 19, 2017 - Present 1 60

21 Odissa Naveen Patnaik(BJD) March 05, 2000 - Present 21 14

22 Pondicherry Shri V. Narayanasamy(INC) June 06, 2016 - Present 1 30

23 Punjab Captain Amarinder Singh (INC) Mar 16, 2017 - Present 13 11

24 Rajasthan Smt. Vasundhara Scindia Raje(BJP) Dec 13, 2013 - Present 25 20

25 Sikkim Pawan Kumar Chamling(SDF) Dec 12, 1994 - Present 1 32

 26 Tamil Nadu Edappadi K. Palaniswami(AIADMK) Feb 16, 2017 - Present 39 23

27 Telangana K. Chandrasekhar Rao(TRS) June 02, 2014 - Present 17 11

28 Tripura Manik Sarkar(CPI) Mar 11, 1998 - Present 2 60

29 Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath (BJP) Mar 19, 2017 - Present 80 40

30 Uttarakhand Trivendra Singh Rawat Doiwala (BJP) Mar 18, 2017 - Present 5 70

31 West Bengal Km. Mamata Banerjee(AITMC) May 27, 2016 - Present 42 29

*
PC=Parliamentary Constituency, AC=Assembly Constituency, RS=Rajya Sabha
*
The PC, AC and RS seats show the total number of seats of that state.

State election commission

The State Election Commission was organised after the declaration of 73rd and 74th
amendment to the Constitution of India. The objective was to create a democratic
administration via the local bodies within the reach of common people for social and
economic justice.

The State Election Commission of each state is vested with the powers of 'superintendence,
direction and control' for the preparation of electoral rolls. The Commission is also
responsible for conducting elections to the urban and rural local bodies namely City
Corporations, City Municipal Corporations, Town Municipal Corporations, Town Panchayats,
Zilla Panchayats, Taluk Panchayats and Gram Panchayats. Each state conducts the
elections to the local bodies regularly in accordance with the provision of the Sate Acts and
Rules.

According to the election rules of local, self-government bodies, district election officers for
panchayat elections, district municipal election, officers for elections of municipality, and city
election officers for the elections of municipal corporations are appointed for carrying out
various activities related to the elections. But the delimitation and allocation of seats for all
reserved categories, voter's list, election programmes are carried out by the State Election
Commission only.

As per the directives of the Supreme Court of India where the ordained laws are silent or
make inadequate provision to deal with a given situation in the conduct of elections, the
Election Commission has the residual powers under the Constitution to act in a suitable
manner. The same holds for the State Election Commissions also.
 Municipal Corporations
The Municipal Corporations are also known as Mahanagar Palikas or Mahanagar Nigams.
Each corporation has a committee which consists of a Mayor and Councilors. Mayor is the
head. The members of the Municipal Corporations are elected directly by the people for a
term of five years. The seats are reserved for women, SC and ST. Nevertheless, the
procedure for elections to various municipal bodies is not uniform as the municipalities are
under the jurisdiction of the State.

Panchayati Raj in India

The Panchayati Raj in India is a three-tier system consisting of Gram (village), Block
(Janpad) and Zila (District).

Gram (Village) Panchayats

The Panchayat is the basic unit of the three-tier structure. It is an executive body of the
village. People of the village directly elect the representatives of the village. People who are
registered as voters and do not hold any office of profit under the government are eligible for
the election to the Panchayat. The individuals who have any criminal record are not qualified
to contest the elections. The Panchayat has an elected chairman, popularly known as
Sarpanch. As a local body, the Panchayat is accountable to the general body of the village
called Gram Sabha.

Functions of the Village Panchayat:

The main functions of the village panchayat include maintenance of roads, wells, schools,
public health, street lighting, libraries, reading rooms etc. The Panchayat also keeps records
of births and deaths in the village. It also resolves the minor disputes among the people. It
takes necessary measures for the promotion of agriculture and animal husbandry, cottage
industries and so on.

Block (Janpad) Level

It is the intermediate structure within the three-tier structure. It normally consists of 20 to 60

villages. At this level there is a Panchayat Samiti. It consists of:

 About 20 members (nominated from the Panchs of all the Panchayats).

 Two female members, one SC and one ST.
 Two people having experience of public life and administration.
 Representatives of the cooperatives.
 The chairman of the Panchayat Samiti, known as Pradhan, is elected by the Samiti
members. The tenure of the Panchayat Samiti is five years.
Functions:
The main function of the Samiti is to coordinate the work of all the Panchayats that fall within
its jurisdiction. It looks after all the development work. After getting the plans approved by
State government, the role of the Samiti is to ensure that these plans are implemented.
Zila (District) Parishad

The Zila Parishad stands at the peak of the three-tier system. The constitution of Zila
Parishad is different in different states. The members of the Parishad are elected by
universal adult Electoral College for a period of five years. It has minimum of 50 members
and can have a maximum of 75 members. The Collector or Deputy Commissioner is also the
member. There are reserved seats for women, SC and ST. The head of the Zila Parishad is
the CEO.

Functions:
It looks after all the work related to development in the district. All the welfare programmes
are executed by the Parishad only. It also undertakes construction of roads, schools for
children and other public buildings. It also encourages local industries.

Voter ID card

What is a Voter ID Card and its use

In August, 1993, the Election Commission of India ordered the making of photo identity
cards for all voters of the country in an attempt to improve the accuracy of the electoral rolls
and prevent electoral fraud. 

To take advantage of the latest technological innovations, the Commission issued revised
guidelines for the Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) Program in May 2000. More than 450
million voter or election identity cards have been distributed across India till now. The voter
ID card or EPIC (Electors Photo Identity Card) is an identification card issued by the Election
Commission to all eligible voters to enable voter identification on Election Day. All those who
are already enrolled in the voter's list are eligible to receive a voter ID card also known as
election card. These election cards carry personal details and a distinct identification
number. In future, data of a biometric nature like digital signature and fingerprints may also
be contained inside a microchip, embedded in the given election card.

The EPIC (Electors Photo Identity Card) proves to be a unique identity document for all
Indians. The election card is helpful not only for casting a vote in elections but also acts as
an identity proof and address proof for opening a bank account, getting a new gas
connection, and online reservations for travel and accommodation. In fact nowadays almost
all government agencies, insurance companies, mortgage companies like bank agencies (if
you are going to apply for mortgage or any other personal loan), and claim firms (Insurance
claims) ask for a voter ID number. A voter ID card is also essential for registration in the
electoral roll in case a person migrates to a place other than the place of his/her domicile.

Eligibility criteria to register for a Voter ID Card

For any person who wishes to practice his/her right to vote will need to have a valid voter ID
card issued by the Election Commission of India. A valid voter card primarily serves as a
 proof of identification for citizens of Indian while casting their vote at Municipal, State or
National elections. The eligibility criteria to register oneself for voter ID card is :

 The applicant must hold Indian Citizenship

 The applicant must have attained or be above 18 years of age on the qualifying date
which is the 1st January of the year of revision of electoral roll
How to Make a Voter ID Card
To get a voter ID Card or EPIC (Electors Photo Identity Card), first of all you have to get
registered as a voter by filling and submitting the form 6/8/8A to the electoral Registration
officer (ERO) and then submit the form 001A to apply for a voter identity Card. If you are
already a registered voter i.e. your name is already in the voter's list, you can submit the
Form 001C to the ERO. Collect the receipt duly signed by the ERO.

How to Apply for Voter ID Card Offline

To issue voter ID cards to all registered voters, the Election Commission of India
(ECI) organizes drives via Designated Photographic Locations (DPLs), at specific time
periods. During these drives, the ECI advertises in all major newspapers of the state. All
registered voters are also given information notices by the EROs of each area. The notices
issued contain useful information such as the constituency number and the polling booth or
part number. It also mentions the date on which voter IDs will be issued for a particular
polling booth and address of the DPL. Once the voter receives the notice, he/she must visit
the DPL which is generally a school or government office in the locality. Each DPL will
usually have two systems equipped with digital cameras. All the necessary details are
recorded, a photograph is taken and the election card is issued thereafter. While most of the
above applies to all states in India, there might be some differences in the way in which
different states issue voter ID cards. To know the exact rules, please visit the website of your
state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO).One can also apply for a voter ID Card or EPIC online by
submitting online voter ID registration forms. Below is the procedure and website for online
registration of voter ID cards

How to Apply for Voter ID Card Online

To apply for a voter ID Card online, a candidate must have an e-mail ID, his/her ID and
address proof like driving license or ration card and the circle area number which he/she
belongs to. The second step starts at the following website; http://eci-
citizenservices.nic.in/frmForm6New.aspx (copy and paste the link in a new tab to visit the
official site for Online registration of voter ID or election Card). The official site for the
election commission is 

http://eci.nic.in, it provides Form 6 (which is for inclusion of name in voter List). You can also
apply for voter ID correction. For this you will also find an option for Form-8 (which is for
correction in data of an existing voter ID card). If you want to apply for a new voter ID card
choose the option of Form 6. On clicking the link you will be redirected to http://eci-
citizenservices.nic.in/frmForm6New.aspx (Form 6 page). There you can submit your mobile
number and immediately receive a username and password by SMS. Now you need to fill
 your details online. After submitting the details, you will be given an Application ID. Print the
page and write down the Application ID. After that you should login at http://eci-
citizenservices.nic.in with the user name and password given by SMS on your mobile
number. Edit the data if required and fill other details. Submit it and take a printout of
submitted form. You will also need to upload the scanned copy of proof of date of birth,
residence address and identity proof. Send the printed copy with your latest photo, photo
copy of proof of date of birth, residence address and identity proof at the address provided in
the printed copy. Submit the Application Form along with the documents required to the
concerned Electoral Officer of the Assembly constituency where you reside. Collect the
receipt duly signed by the ERO.

Thereafter you will receive your voter ID card at your nearest ERO or you can also track the
status of your application by using the Application ID.

Documents required for obtaining a Voter Identification Card:

Following documents are needed while applying for an election or voter ID card -
1. Address proof
2. Age proof
3. Passport size photographs
4. Voter ID Application form

For Address proof one may provide any of the following documents:

- Mobile telephone bill

- Land phone bill
- Water bill
- Electricity bill
- Property tax receipt
- Bank statement
- Passport
- Ration card
- House Lease/Rental agreement
- LPG receipt
- Driving license
- Identity cards given by the employer
- Any of the alternative documents prescribed by Election Commission for identity proof.

For age proof one may provide the following documents(if between 18 to 21 years):

 Birth certificate issued by a Municipal Authority or district office of the Registrar of

Births & Deaths or Baptism certificate;
 or Birth certificate from the school (Gola. / Recognized) last attended by the applicant
or any other recognized educational institution;
 or if a person is class 10 or more pass, he should give a copy of the marksheet of
class 10, if it contains date of birth as a proof of date of birth;
 or Marksheet of class 8 if it contains date of birth;
 or Marksheet of class 5 if it contains date of birth;
 or IndianPassport;
 or PAN card;
 or Driving License;
 or Aadhar letter/Card issued by UIDAL

In case of unavailability of above documents a declaration by either of the parents (or by the
guru in case of an elector in third gender category) of the applicant in a prescribed format of
Annexure II of form 6 can be submitted as per the guidelines in the form. In such cases, the
applicant will have to be present himself for verification before Booth Level Officer /Assistant
Electoral Registration Officer / Electoral Registration Officer. Further in case of unavailability
of any of the documents and the parents of the applicant not being alive, a certificate of age
given by the sarpanch of the concerned Gram Panchayat or Municipal corporation/Municipal
Committee can be submitted by the applicant. 

In case of application for a fresh registration being made by an applicant who is above 21
years of age and his/her name is not included on the electoral roll in anywhere in India then
a declaration of age has to be given by the applicant as per Annexure III of form 6 if not the
application is liable to be rejected.

Politicians in India
Indian Political Leaders
Politics in India wouldn’t be so interesting without its politicians. Together they represent a
motley mix, bringing as many perspectives and identities to the Indian Parliament as the
nation itself. But more importantly, these are the people who run the government at various
levels and take momentous decisions for the country.

During elections, the citizens of India cast their vote and elect a representative of their
constituency in the hope of a better future. They are the ones who oblige the political leaders
with the power and authority to govern the country; therefore, they must acquire important
information about the political leaders in order to take an informed decision.

Political Parties in India

India has a multi-party system, where political parties are classified as national, state
or regional level parties. The status of party is accorded by the Election Commission
of India, and the same is reviewed occasionally. All parties are registered with the
Election Commission.
A special and unique election symbol is given to every registered party by the
Election Commission.

Inside the pageCriterion for RecognitionNational Parties in IndiaState Parties in

IndiaRegional Parties in IndiaList of Upcoming Political Parties

Upcoming State's Elections

Gujarat Election 2017Himachal Pradesh Election 2017more..Chief Electoral Officers

CEO GujaratCEO Himachal PradeshCEO GoaCEO ManipurCEO

UttarakhandMaharashtra CEOMore..Elections in India

Election Commission of IndiaLok Sabha ElectionsAssembly ElectionsAbout Voter Id

CardElection FAQsImportance of Elections in IndiaWhy Should We Vote in IndiaHow a
chief minister is selectedPolitical Leaders

Narendra Modi BiographyMamata BanerjeeJayalalithaa JayaramOommen

ChandySmriti IraniTarun GogoiDevendra FadnavisMore..Political Parties

Bharatiya Janata PartyIndian National CongressAll India Trinamool CongressAam

Aadmi PartyAIADMK PartyCommunist Party of India (Marxist)More..Government of
India

Cabinet Ministers of IndiaList of Presidents of IndiaList of Vice Presidents of

IndiaGovernors of IndiaChief Ministers of IndiaMembers of Parliament of
IndiaMore..India General Elections Results

General Elections 2014General Elections 2009General Elections 2004General

Elections 1999General Elections 1998General Elections 1996General Elections
1992General Elections 1991General Elections 1989General Elections 1985Latest News

Elections and Politics News

Criterion for Recognition

The Election Commission has laid down certain criteria for a party to be recognised
as national or state level parties.
National Party

A party has to live up to at least one of the following qualifications to be recognised

as a national party:

It has to win a minimum of two per cent of the seats in the Lok Sabha from at least
three different states.

In General Elections, the party must manage to win six per cent of the votes and win
at least four Lok Sabha seats as well.

The party is recognised as a 'state level party' in four or more states.

State Party

A party has to live up to at least one of the following qualifications to be

acknowledged as a state party.

The party has to win at least three seats or three per cent of the seats in the state
legislative Assembly.

It has to win minimum one seat in the Lok Sabha for every 25 seats or any fraction
allotted to that concerned state.

In a particular election, the party has to bag at least six per cent of the total votes, and
also win one Lok Sabha and two Assembly seats.

The status of a state party can still be bestowed upon an entity even if it fails to win
any seats in the Lok Sabha or the Assembly, if it manages to win at least eight per
cent of the total votes cast in the entire state.

National Parties in India

Despite the large number of political parties operating in India, very few are able to
make their presence felt at the national level except when it comes to alliances. The
natural reason for this is that it takes a long time for any party to evolve from its
regional moorings and have its ideology accepted by a large enough segment of the
population. The table below lists political parties that boast of a pan-India presence.
These have been listed in alphabetical order, and not necessarily in the order of their
influence.

Bahujan Samaj Party

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)

Bharatiya Janata Party

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)

Communist Party of India(

Communist Party of India (CPI)

Communist Party of India (Marxist)

Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M))

Indian National Congress

Indian National Congress (INC)

Nationalist Congress Party

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)

State Parties in India

Owing to rich cultural diversity, India’s political fabric has seen the emergence of
many strong state parties. These cater to the interests of their particular states, and
are often critical to make or break alliances in the Lok Sabha elections. The table
below provides a list of the various state political parties in India, in alphabetical
order.

S. No. State State Political Parties Symbol Abbreviation

1 Delhi Aam Aadmi Party AAP

2 Arunachal Pradesh Arunachal Congress AC

3 Tamil Nadu All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam All India Anna
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam AIADMK

4 Assam Asom Gana Parishad AGP

5 West Bengal All India Forward Bloc AIFB

6 West Bengal All India Trinamool Congress AITC

7 Assam Assam United Democratic Front AUDF

8 Odisha Biju Janata Dal BJD

9 Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam

DMK
10 Haryana Indian National Lok Dal INLD

11 Karnataka and Kerala Janata Dal (Secular) JD(S)

12 Bihar and Jharkhand Janata Dal (United) JD(U)

13 Jammu and Kashmir Jammu & Kashmir National Conference

JKN

14 Jammu and Kashmir Jammu & Kashmir National Panthers Party

JKNPP

15 Jammu and Kashmir Jammu & Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party

JKPDP

16 Jharkhand Jharkhand Mukti Morcha JMM

17 Kerala Kerala Congress KEC

18 Kerala Kerala Congress (M) KEC(M)

19 Bihar Lok Jan Shakti Party LJP

20 Goa Maharashtrawadi Gomantak MAG

21 Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam

MDMK

22 Manipur Manipur Peoples Party MPP

23 Kerala Muslim League Kerala State Committee MUL

24 Nagaland and Manipur Nagaland Peoples Front NPF

25 Tamil Nadu Pattali Makkal Katchi PMK

26 Bihar Rashtriya Janata Dal RJD

27 West Bengal Revolutionary Socialist Party RSP

28 Punjab Shiromani Akali Dal SAD

29 SikkimSikkim Democratic Front SDF

30 Goa United Goans Democratic Party UGDP

31 Maharashtra Shivsena SHS

32 Uttar Pradesh Samajwadi Party SP

33 Andhra Pradesh Telugu Desam TDP

34 Andhra Pradesh Telangana Rashtra Samithi TRS

35 Meghalaya United Democratic Party UDP

36 Uttarakhand Himalayas Uttarakhand Kranti Dal UKKD

Regional Parties in India

It wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that politics in India is dictated by regional

parties. These smaller parties hold considerable clout in individual states, leading to a
highly fragmented vote distribution. As a result, political alliances and surprise moves
are a common spectacle, as governments are formed and dissolved unanticipated.
The sentiment was echoed by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee before the
2014 elections, who said that the mainstream parties were “zero”, and that the future
of India would be decided by regional political parties. Looking at the political history
of India, there can be no doubt that regional parties are indeed the trump card. Below
you will find the list of all regional political parties of India.

S. No. Regional Abbreviation S. No. Regional Abbreviation

1 Akhil Bharatiya Ashok Sena ABAS 330 Janadhipathiya Samrekshna

Samiti JPSS

2 Akhil Bhartiya Bharat Desham Party, Delhi ABBDP 331 Jan Satta
Party JSAP

3 Akhil Bharatiya Bharat Mata-Putra Paksha ABBMPP 332 Jan

Samanta Party JSMP

4 Akhil Bharatiya Bhrastachar Nirmoolan Sena ABBNS 333 Jan Sewa

Party JSP

5 Akhil Bhartiya Berozgaar Party ABBP 334 Jan Sevek Sanghathan

JSS

6 Akhil Bharatiya Dal ABD 335 Jan Swarajya Party JSWP

7 Akhil Bharatiya Desh Bhakt Morcha ABDBM 336 Jatiya Kranti

Manch JTKM
8 Akhil Bharatiya Dharmnirpeksh Dal ABDD 337 Jai Telengana Party
JTP

9 Akhil Bharatiya Dastkar Morcha ABDM 338 Janata Vikas Party JVP

10 Akhil Bharatiya Dalit Utthan Party ABDUP 339 Kanchee Aringer Anna
Dravida Makkal Kazhagam KAADMK

11 Akhand Bharat Ekta Andolan ABEA 340 Krantikari Berozgar Party

KBP

12 Akhil Bharatiya Gareeb Party ABGBP 341 Kannada Chalavali Vatal

Paksha KCVP

13 Akhil Bharatiya Gorkha League ABGL 342 Kisan Desham KD

14 Akhil Bharatiya General Labour Party ABGLP 343 Kamarajar

Deseeya Congress KDC

15 Akhil Bharatiya Garib Mazdoor Kisan Party ABGMKP 344 Kannada

Desha Party KDP

16 Akhil Bharatiya Hindustani Krantikari Samajwadi Party ABHKSP 345

Kerala Congress (B) KEC(B)

17 Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha ABHM 346 Kerala Congress (Jacob)

KEC(J)

18 Akhil Bharatiya Sena ABHS 347 Karnataka Ganaparishath KGP

19 Akhil Bharatiya Janata Congress ABJC 348 Kanpur Grameen Sansthan

KGS

20 Akhil Bharatiya Janhit Jagrit PartyABJJP349 Karnataka Kranthi Dal

KKD

21 Akhil Bharatiya Jagrook Nagrik Dal ABJND 350 Kalyan Morcha

KM

22 Akhil Bharatiya Jan Sangh ABJS 351 Kisan Mazdoor Bahujan Party
KMBP

23 Akhil Bhartiya Janata Vikas Party ABJVP 352 Kisan Mazdoor Gaon
Raj KMGR

24 Akhil Bharatiya Kissan Mazdoor Morcha ABKMM 353 Kaivinayger

Munnetra KazhagamKMK
25 Akhil Bharatiya Lokraj Party ABLRP 354 Krantikari Manuwadi
Morcha KMM

26 Akhil Bharatiya Lok Tantrik Alp-Sankhyak Jan Morcha ABLTASJM 355

Kuki National Assembly KNA

27 Akhil Bhartiya Lok Tantrik Congress ABLTC 356 Kannada Paksha

KP

28 Akhil Bharatiya Loktantra Party ABLTP 357 Karnataka Pragatiranga

KPR

29 Akhil Bharatiya Manav Adhikar Dal ABMAD 358 Kranti Dal

KRD

30 Akhil Bharatiya Mahila Dal ABMD 359 Kranti Parishad KRP

31 Akhil Bharatiya Manav Kalyan Ram Rajya Committee ABMKRRC 360

Karnataka Rajya Ryota Sangha KRRS

32 Akhil Bharatiya Maratha Mahasangh ABMM 361 Kranti Sabha KRS

33 Akhil Bartiya Manav Seva Dal ABMSD 362 Krantikari Samajwadi

Manch KSM

34 Akahand Bharat Mahasangh Sarvahara Krantikari Party ABMSKP 363

Kosal Party KSP

35 Ambedkarbadi PartyABP 364 Krantikari Samajwadi Party Lohia KSPL

36 Akhil Bharatiya Pichhadavarg Party ABPP 365 Kisan Kranti Dal

KTKD

37 Akhil Bharatiya Rashtriya Azad Hind Party ABRAHP 366 Karnataka

Thamizhar Munnetra Kazhagam KTMK

38 Akhil Bharatiya Rajivwadi Congress (Dubey) ABRC(D) 367 Karnataka

Vikas Party KTVP

39 Akhil Bharatiya Ram Rajya Parishad (Prem Ballabh Vyas) ABRRP(P) 368
Kisan Vyawasayee Mazdoor Party KVMP

40 Akhil Bharatiya Ram Rajya Parishad (V.S.Atul). ABRRP(V) 369 Kisan

Vikas Party KVP

41 Akhil Bharatiya Rajarya Sabha ABRS 370 Kamjor Varg Sangh,Bihar

KVSB
42 Akhil Bharatiya Rashtriya Sanathan Sabha ABRSS 371 Lok
Bhalai Party LBP

43 Akhil Bharatiya Revolutionary Shoshit Samaj Dal ABRSSD 372

Lattin Congress LC

44 Abhinav Bharat Sangh ABS 373 Lok Dal LD

45 Akhil Bharatiya Shivsena Rashtrawadi ABSR 374 Life Peaceful Party

LFPP

46 Apna Dal AD 375 Lok Hit Party LHP

47 Annadata Party ADP 376 Loktantrik Jan Samta Party LJSP

48 Agar Jan Party AGRJP 377 Labour And Job Seeker's Party of
India LJSPI

49 Azad Hind Fauz (R) AHF 378 Lok Hit Morcha LM

50 All Party Hill Leader's Conference (Armison Marak Group) AHL(AG) 379
Lok Party LP

51 All India Azad Hind Mazdur And Jan Kalyan Party AIAHMJKP 380
Labour Party of India (V.V.Prasad) LPI(V)

52 All India Christian Democratic And Backward People's Party AICDBPP 381
Lairam People Party LPP

53 All India Democratic People Federation AIDPF 382 Lok Swarajya Abhiyan
LSAB

54 All India Forward Bloc (Subhasist)AIFB(S) 383 Lok Swaraj Andholan

LSAN

55 All India Gareeb Congress AIGC 384 Lok Seva Parishad LSP

56 All India Homeless People Congress AIHPC 385 Lok Swarajya Sangh
LSS

57 All India Indira Congress (Secular)AIIC(S) 386 Loktantrik Samajwadi

Party LSWP

58 All India Justice Party AIJP 387 Labour Vikas Party LVP

59 All India Kisan Mazdoor Sabha AIKMS388 M.G.R.Anna D.M.Kazhagam

MADMK

60 All India Lok Raj Party AILRP 389 Mahila Adhikar Party MAP
61 All India Labour Welfare Party AILWP390 Mukt Bharat MB

62 All India Minorities Front AIMF 391 Mool Bharati (S) Party MB(S)P

63 All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen AIMIM 392 Majlis Bachao Tahreek

MBT

64 All India Muslim Forum AIMLF 393 Matra Bhoomi Vikas Party MBVP

65 All India Mahila Raj Party AIMRP394 Maydhaavi Congress (J) MC(J)

66 All India Nethaji Congress AINC 395 Marxist Co-Ordination MCO

67 All India National Youth Party AINYP 396 Marxist Communist Party of
India (S.S.Srivastava) MCPI(S)

68 Anti Injustice Party AIP 397 Maraland Democratic Front MDF

69 All India Pravasi Dal AIPD 398 Marxist Engelist Leninist Proletariat Health
Commune MELPHC

70 All India People's Party AIPP 399 M.G.R. Kazhagam MGRK

71 All India Rajiv Krantikari Congress AIRKC 400 M.G.R.Munnai

MGRM

72 All India Shiromani Baba Jiwan Singh Mazhbi Dal AISBJSMD 401
Manipur Hill People's Council MHPC

73 All India Tribes And Minorities Front AITMF 402 Mizoram Janata Dal
MJD

74 All India Tafsili United Party AITUP 403 Manav Kalyan Sangh Dal
MKSD

75 All India Urdu Morcha AIUM 404 Mahakaushal Vikas Party MKVP

76 All India Vakkalar Munnetra Kalagam AIVMK405 M.G.R.Mannetra

Kazhagam MMK

77 All India Youth Akali Dal AIYAD 406 M.G.R.Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam
MMMK

78 Ajeya Bharat Party AJBP 407 Mahabharath Mahajan Sabha MMS

79 All J & K Peoples Patriotic Front AJKPPF 408 Muslim Majlis Uttar
Pradesh MMUP

80 Asom Jatiya Parishad AJP 409 Mizo National Front (Democrats)-

Chawanzuala MNF(D)C
81 Ambedkar Kranti Dal AKD 410 Makkal Nalurimaik Kazhagam
(People's Liberal Party) MNK(PLP)

82 All Kerala M.G.R. Dravida Munnetra PartyAKMDMP 411 Manipur People's

Council MNPC

83 Adarsh Lok Dal ALD 412 Manava Party MP

84 Amra Bangalee AMB 413 Maharashtra Pradesh Krantikari Party

MPKP

85 Andhra Nadu Party ANP 414 Madhya Pradesh Loktantrik Party MPLP

86 Andaman Nicobar Vikas CongressANVC 415 Manipur People's Party

(Democratic) MPP(D)

87 Awami Party AP 416 Meghalaya Progressive Peoples Party MPPP

88 Ambedkar Peoples Movement APM 417 Maharashtra Rashtravadi

Congress MRC

89 Ambedkar Puratchikara Makkal Katchi APMK 418 Maharashtra

Republican Party MRP

90 Andhra Pradesh Navodaya Praja Party APNPP 419 Makkal Sakthi

Eyakkam MSE

91 Andaman People's Party APP 420 Manav Samaj Party MSP

92 Ambedkar Pragatisheel Republican Dal APRD 421 Manav Sewa Party

MSWP

93 Arya Dal ARD 422 Marumalarchi Thamizhakam MT

94 Aryan Nationalist Party ARNP 423 Maharashtra Vikas Congress

MVC

95 Arya Sabha ARS 424 Moovendar Munnetra Kazhagam MVMK

96 Ambedkar Samaj Party ASP 425 Manav Vikas Party MVP

97 Anna Telugu Desam Party ATDP 426 National Confederation NCFD

98 Anaithinthiya Thamizhaga Munnetra Kazhagam ATMK 427 Navabharath

Congress Party (R) NCP(R)

99 Adarshwadi Dal AWD 428 National Congress of Youth NCY

100 Awami National Party AWNP 429 Nationalist Democratic Movement

NDM
101 Bharatiya Adarash Party BADP 430 National Democratic Party NDP

102 Bharatiya Asht Jan Party BAJP 431 National Democratic Peoples Front
NDPF

103 Bharatiya Ambedkar Party BAMP 432 New India National Movement
NINM

104 Bharatiya Azad Party BAZP 433 New India Party NIP

105 Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangha BBM 434 Netaji Subhash Party

NJSP

106 Bharatiya Berozgar Mazdoor Kisan Dal BBMKD 435 National

Loktantrik Party NLP

107 Bharatiya Backward Party BBP 436 Nagaland Peoples Party NLPP

108 Bharat Bachao Party of India BBPI 437 Nidaye Malik (N) Party
NMNP

109 Bhrashtachar Virodhi Dal BCVD 438 National Minorities Party NMP

110 Bharat Dal BD 439 Nav Maharashtra Vikas Party NMVP

111 Bhartiya Deshbhakt Party BDBP 440 Naga National Party NNLP

112 Bharatiya Democratic Dal BDD 441 Nava Nirmana Nagarika Samithi
NNNS

113 Bharatiya Dhuni Party BDP 442 National Organisation Congress

NOC

114 Bharatiya Ekta PartyBEP 443 National Party NP

115 Bahujan Ekta Party (R) BEP(R) 444 Nagaland People's Council
NPC

116 Bhartiya Gorkha Janashakti BGJ 445 Nationalist Party of India NPI

117 Baghel Khand Samaj BGKS 446 National People's Party NPP

118 Bharatiya Gareeb Party BGP 447 National Republican Party NRP

119 Bharatiya Jan Congress BHJC 448 Netaji Subhas Biplabi Parishad
NSBP

120 Bharat Jan Party BHJP 449 National Students Party NSP

121 Bhomi Jotak Samooh BHJS 450 Nag Vidarbha Andolan Samiti
NVAS
122 Bharatiya Jan Vikas Party BHJVP 451 Native People's Party
NVPP

123 Bharatiya Rashtriya Parishad BHRP 452 Nayee Party NYP

124 Bharatiya Hindu Sena BHS 453 Orissa Congress OCG

125 Bhartiya Jana Congress (Rashtriya) BJC(R) 454 Orissa

Communist Party OCP

126 Bharatiya Jai Jawan Jai Kisan Party BJJJKP 455 Orissa
Khandayat Khetriya Krusak Gana Parishad OKKKGP

127 Bharatiya Jan Jagriti Party BJJP 456 Orissa Socialist Party OSP

128 Bhartiya Jan Kalyan Party BJKLP 457 Orissa Vikash Parishad
OVP

129 Bharatiya Jan Kisan Party BJKP 458 Paschim Banga Rajya Muslim League
PBRML

130 Bahujan Republican Party BJRP 459 People's Democratic Front PDF

131 Bharatiya Jan Sabha BJS 460 Peoples Democracy of India PDI

132 Bharatiya Jan-Shakti Party BJSP 461 Peoples Democratic League of India
PDLI

133 Bharatiya Jantantrik Parishad BJTP 462 Peoples Democratic Party

PDP

134 Bharatiya Janvadi Party BJVP 463 Progressive Hul Jharkhand Party
(Shibu Group) PHJP(S)

135 Bahujan Kranti Dal BKD 464 Pavitra Hindustan Kaazhagam PHK

136 Bahujan Kranti Dal (Jai) BKD(J) 465 Punjabi Dal PJD

137 Bharatiya Kisan Kamgar Party BKKGP 466 Punjab Janata Morcha
PJM

138 Bharatiya Krantikari Kammand Party BKKP 467 People's Justice Party
PJP

139 Bharat Ki Lok Jimmedar Party BKLJP 468 Punjab People's Party
PJPP

140 Bhartiya Kisan Mazdoor Party BKMP 469 Punjab Kairon Dal PKD

141 Bharatiya Krantikari Parishad (H) BKP(H) 470 Panchal Morcha PM

142 Bharatiya Kranti Sena BKS 471 Pondicherry Mannila Makkal Munnani
PMMM

143 Bharat Ka Samyawadi Dal (Marxist Leninwadi) BKSD(ML) 472

Pragatisheel Manav Samaj Party PMSP

144 Bharatiya Krantikari Swatantra Jan Parishad BKSJP 473 Praja

Party PP

145 Bharti Krishak Seva Samaj BKSS 474 People's Party of Arunachal
PPA

146 Bharatiya Krishi Udyog Sangh BKUS 475 People's Party of India PPI

147 Bundelkhand Vikas Dal BKVD 476 Political Party of National

Management Service PPNMS

148 Bharatiya Lok Kalyan Dal BLKD 477 Pyramid Party of India PPOI

149 Bharti Lok Lehar Party BLLP 478 Parvatiya Punrutthaan Parishad
PPP

150 Bharatiya Labour Party BLP 479 Punjab Pradesh Vikas Party
PPVP

151 Bodoland People's Party (Premsing Brahma Group) BLPP(PBH) 480

Poorvanchal Rashtriya Congress PRC

152 Bharatiya Lok Panchayat BLPY 481 Prism PRISM

153 Bharatiya Lok Tantrik Mazdoor Dal BLTMD 482 Panchayat Raj
Party PRP

154 Bahujan Loktantrik Party BLTP 483 Parivartan Samaj Party PSJP

155 Bharatha Makkal Congress BMC 484 Pragatisheel Party PSP

156 Bharat Mukti Dal BMD 485 Praja Socialist Party (Kerala) PSP(K)

157 Bharatiya Momin Front BMF 486 People's Party of Prants PSPP

158 Bundelkhand Mukti MorchaBMM 487 Pratap Shiv Sena PSS

159 Bharatiya Muhabbat Party (All India) BMP(AI) 488 Proutist Sarva
Samaj Samiti PSSS

160 Bharatiya Muslim Party (Siddiqui) BMP(S) 489 Puthiya Tamilagam PT

161 Bharatiya Manav Raksha Dal BMRD 490 Plains Tribals Council of
Assam PTCA
162 Bhartiya Mahashakti Morcha BMSKM 491 Paschimi Uttar Pradesh
Swaraja Party PUPSP

163 Bharatiya Minorities Suraksha Mahasangh BMSM 492 Punjab Vikas

Party (Punjab) PVP(P)

164 Bharatiya Naujawan Dal BND 493 Pichhadavarg Samaj Party PVSP

165 Bharathiya Nethaji Party BNJP 494 Peasants And Workers Party of India
PWPI

166 Bharat Nav Jyoti Sangh BNJS 495 Quami Janta Dal QJD

167 Bharat Nirudyog Party BNP 496 Quami Morcha QM

168 Bharatiya Nagrik Party BNRP 497 Quami Party QP

169 Bira Oriya Party BOP 498 Rashtriya Alpsankhyak Dalit Party RADP

170 Bharat Pensioner's Front BPF 499 Rashtriya Aikta Manch RAM

171 Bolshevik Party of India BPI 500 Rashtriya Ali Sena RAS

172 Bharatiya Parivartan Morcha BPM 501 Rashtriya Bahujan Ekta Party
RBEP

173 Brij Pradesh Nirman Sangh BPNS 502 Rashtriya Bharat Nav Nirman
Sangathan RBNNS

174 Bhartiya Pragatisheel PartyBPP 503 Rashtriya Bharasthachar Virodhi

Morcha RBVM

175 Bihar People's Party BPSP 504 Rashtriya Chhatra Kisan Mazdoor Party
RCKMP

176 Bharatiya Prajatantra Party BPTP 505 Rashtriya Chetna Manch RCM

177 Bahujan Rashtriya Party BRAP 506 Revolutionary Communist Party of

India (Rasik Bhatt) RCPI(R)

178 Bharatiya Rajiv Congress BRC 507 Rashtriya Dharmanirpeksha Nava

Bharat Party RDNBP

179 Bharatiya Rashtrawadi Dal BRD 508 Rashtriya Deshbhakt Party RDP

180 Bharatiya Rashtriya Ekta Dal BRED 509 Rising Sun Party RGSP

181 Bharatiya Rashtriya Jan Jagran Congress Party BRJJCP 510 Rashtriya
Hindu Morcha RHM
182 Bharatiya Rashtriya Janhit Party BRJP 511 Rashtriya Janta Congress
RJC

183 Bhartiya Rakshak Party BRKP 512 Rashtriya Janandholan Paksha

RJDP

184 Bharatiya Rashtriya Morcha BRM 513 Rashtriya Janata Janardhan

Party RJJP

185 Bharatiya Rashtriya Mazdoor Dal BRMD 514 Rashtriya Janata Morcha Party
RJMP

186 Bharatiya Rashtriya Party BRP 515 Republican Janata Party RJP

187 Bharatiya Republican Paksha BRPP 516 Rashtriya Jan Sangam

RJS

188 Bharatiya Rashtriya Sangh BRS 517 Rashtriya Jansevak Parishad

RJSP

189 Bhartiya Vikas Party BRVP 518 Rajasthan Vikas Party RJVP

190 Bharatiya Samaj Dal BSD 519 Rashtriya Krantikari Dal RKD

191 Bharatiya Sanghathit Party (S) BSGP(S) 520 Rashtriya Kisan Party
RKP

192 Bharatiya Shramik Dal BSHD 521 Rashtriya Lok Dal RLD

193 Bharatiya Sarvkalayan Kranti Dal BSK 522 Realist Party of India
RLPI

194 Bharatiya Samaj Kalyan Party Bharat BSKPB 523 Rashtriya

Mazdoor Ekta Party RMEP

195 Bharteey Samajvadi Morcha BSM 524 Rashtriya Mazdoor Ekta Party
(Samajwadi) RMEP(S)

196 Bharatiya Samata Party BSMP 525 Rashtriya Mazdoor Paksha (Gujarat)
RMP(G)

197 Bahujan Samaj Party (Ambedkar) BSP(A) 526 Rashtriya Mahasangh

RMS

198 Bahujan Samaj Party (Raj Bahadur) BSP(R) 527 Rashtriya Nayay
Party RNP

199 Bharatiya Samaj Sangathan Morcha BSSM 528 Republican Party of

India(A) RPI(A)
200 Bharatiya Seva Dal BSVD 529 Republican Party of India (Democratic)
RPI(D)

201 Bharatiya Samajwadi Vikas Party BSVP 530 Republican Party of India
(Khobragade)RPI(KH)

202 Bahujan Vikas Party BVP 531 Republican Party of India (Kamble)
RPI(KM)

203 Bharatiya Yuva Shakti BYS 532 Republican Party of India (Sivaraj)
RPI(S)

204 Christian Democratic Front CDF 533 Rashtriya Pragatisheel Morcha

RPM

205 Cooperator's Front of Assam CFA 534 Rastreeya Praja Parishat

RPP

206 Chhattisgarh Kisan Mazdoor PartyCKMP 535 Republican Presidium Party of

India RPPI

207 Christian Mannetra Kazhagam CMK 536 Rashtriya Rajdhani Congress

Delhi RRCD

208 Chhattisgarh Mukti Morcha CMM 537 Ramrajya Marg RRM

209 Communist Marxist Party Kerala State Committee CMPKSC 538

Rashtriya Samajwadi Congress RSC

210 Congress of People COP 539 Rashtriya Sawarn Dal RSD

211 Chanakya Party CP 540 Rashtriya Samdarshi Party RSDP

212 Communist Party of India (Marxist-Lenninist) (Liberation) CPI(ML)(L) 541

Rashtriya Samajwadi Party 'Pragatisheel' RSPP

213 Chhattisgarh Rajya Party CRP 542 Rashtriya Surajya Parishad RSRP

214 Chhattisgarhi Samaj Party CSP 543 Rashtriya Samaj Sevak Dal RSSD

215 Chotanagpur Santhal Pargana Jan Seva Dal CSPJSD 544 Rashtriya
Samaj Sudhar Party RSSP

216 Champaran Vikas Party CVP 545 Rashtriya Party RTP

217 Desh Bachao Jan Morcha DBJ 546 Rashtra Suraksha ParishadRTSP

218 Desh Bhakt Party DBP 547 Rashtriya Unnatisheel Dal RUD
219 Democratic Bahujan Samaj Morcha DBSM 548 Rashtriya Vyapar Dal
RVD

220 Doordarshi Party DDP 549 Rashtriya Valmik Mazdoor MorchaRVMM

221 Democratic Forward Bloc DFB 550 Rashtriya Vikas Party RVP

222 Democratic Insaf Party DIP 551 Rajasthan Veer Sena RVS

223 Democratic Janta Dal (J&K) DJD(JK) 552 Rashtriya Wahdat Party
RWP

224 Democratic Jharkhand Mukti Morcha DJMM 553 Rashtriya Yuva

Loktantrik Party RYLP

225 Deseeya Karshaka Party DKP 554 Sabjan Party SABJAN

226 Democratic Movement DM 555 Shiromani Akali Dal (Simranjit Singh

Mann) SAD(M)

227 Dalit Mazdoor Kishan Party DMKP 556 Shiromani Akali Dal (S) SAD(S)

228 Dravida Peravai DP 557 Shiromani Akali Dal (Master Tara Singh)
SAD(T)

229 Denzong People's Chogpa DPC 558 Sachet Bharat Party SBHP

230 Democratic Party of India DPI 559 Sadbhavana Party SBP

231 Desia Pathukappu Kazhagam DPK 560 Senior Citizens National Party
of India SCNPI

232 Desh Punjab Niyaye Front DPNF 561 Sabka Dal Bharatiya Samajwadi
Congress SDBSC

233 Delhi Poorvanchal Party DPP 562 Sanyukt Dastkar Party SDKP

234 Dalit Samaj Party DSP 563 Sarvadharam Party (Madhya Pradesh)
SDP(MP)

235 Democratic Socialist Party (Prabodh Chandra) DSP(P) 564 Samajik

Ekta Party SEP

236 Dhiravida Thelgar Munnetra Kalagam DTMK 565 Sarvhara Dal SHD

237 Delhi Vikas Party DVP 566 Sahi Party SHP

238 Divya Shakti Party DVSP 567 Sarb Hind Shiromani Akali Dal SHSAD

239 Ekta Kranti Dal U.P. EKD(UP) 568 Shoshit Samaj Party SHSP
240 Ekta Party EP 569 Shiromani Jagat Akali Dal SJAD

241 Ekta Samaj Party ESP 570 Sarvjati Janata Panchayat SJJP

242 Ephraim Union EU 571 Samajwadi Janata Party (Maharashtra)

SJP(M)

243 Forward Bloc (Socialist) FB(S) 572 Samajwadi Jan Shakti Andolan
SJSA

244 Federation of Sabhas FOS 573 Sinh Jan Seva Party SJSP

245 Gujarat Adijati Vikash Paksh GAVP 574 Samajik Jantantrik Party
SJTP

246 Gramya Bharat Bhoomi DalGBBD 575 Samajik Kranti Dal SKD

247 Gorkha Democratic Front GDF 576 Sikkim Janashakti Party SKJP

248 Gondvana Gantantra Party GGP 577 Sampurna Kranti Dal SKL

249 Ganatantrik Gana Sammilan GGS 578 Social Action Party SLAP

250 Golden India Party GIP 579 Socialist Democratic Party SLDP

251 Gujarat Janata Parishad GJJP 580 Socialist League of India SLI

252 Garib Janata Party GJP 581 Sanjukta Loka Parishad SLP

253 Grama Munnetra Kazhagam GMK 582 Socialist Party (Lohia)

SLP(L)

254 Gommant Lok Pokx GMLP 583 Socialist Party (Ramakant Pandey)
SLP(R)

255 Garo National Council GNC 584 Soshan Mukti Morcha SMM

256 Gorakha National Liberation Front GNLF 585 Satya Marg Party SMP

257 Green Party of India GPI 586 Sikkim National Liberation Front SNLF

258 Gandhiwadi Rashtriya Congress GRC 587 Samajik Nyaya PartySNP

259 Gurjar Sangh GS 588 Shaheed Pheruman Akali Dal SPAD

260 Gareebjan Samaj Party GSP 589 Secular Party of India SPI

261 Goa Vikas Party GVP 590 Sirpanch Samaj Party SPSP

262 Gujarat Yuva Vikas Party GYVP 591 Sadbhav Pichhera Vikas Partty
SPVP
263 Haryana Bhoomiheen PartyHBP 592 Socialist Republican Party SRP

264 Haryana Chhatra Yuva Morcha HCYM 593 Sarva Seva Party SRSP

265 Hind Desham HD 594 Sarvahara Samaj Party SRVSP

266 Haryana Democratic Congress HDC 595 Shoshit Samaj Dal SSD

267 Hind Vikas Party HDVP 596 Sanatan Samaj Party SSJP

268 Hindustani Gareebwadi Party HGP 597 Sanatan Samata Sanghatan

SSS

269 Hindustan Inqualab Party HIP 598 Swatantra Bharat Paksha STBP

270 Hul Jhharkhand Party HJKP 599 Surajya Party SUP

271 Hindustan Janta Party HJP 600 Sarvodaya Party SVP

272 Hind Kisan Mazdoor Party HKMP 601 Savarn Samaj Party SVSP

273 Himachal Kranti Party HKP 602 Samajwadi Dal SWD

274 Haryana Lok Dal HLD 603 Samajwadi Jan Parishad SWJP

275 Hind Morcha HM 604 Swarajya Party SWP

276 Hind National Party HNP 605 Shiromani Youth Akali Dal (Kahlon)
SYAD(K)

277 Hindu Praja Party HPP 606 Satyayug Party SYP

278 Human Rights Party of India HRPI 607 Tamilar Desiya Iyyakkam TDI

279 Himachal Sangam HS 608 Tamil Desiyak Katchi TDK

280 Hind Swarajya Ganatantra Party HSGP 609 The Great India' Revolutioners
TGIR

281 Hindu Samaj Party HSP 610 Telangana Praja Party TGPP

282 Hindustani Samajwadi Peoples Party HSPP 611 Tharasu Makkal

Mandram THMM

283 Hindustan Samajwadi Prajatantar Sena (Bharat) HSPS(B) 612 The

Humanist Party of India THPI

284 Hindustan Party HTP 613 Tarai Kranti Dal TKD

285 Indian Bahujan Smajwadi Party IBSP 614 Tamilar Kazhagam TLK
286 Indian Democratic Party IDP 615 Thayaka Marumalarchi Kazhagam
TMK

287 Indian Democratic Peoples Party IDPP 616 Tamil Nadu Deseeya Grameeya
Thozhilalar Congress TNDGTC

288 Indian Democratic Socialist Party IDSP 617 Tamil Nadu Hindu Vellalar
Youth Kazhagam TNHVYK

289 Indian Farmers And Workers Party IFWP 618 Tamil Nadu Kamaraj
Makkal Iyakkam TNKMI

290 Indian Labour Congress ILC 619 Tamil Nadu Makkal Congress
TNMC

291 Indian Liberation Front ILF 620 Tamil Nadu People's Party TNPP

292 Indian Muslim Congress IMC 621 Tamil Nadu People's Welfare
Association TNPWA

293 Indian National Congress (O) (Anti-Merger Group) INC(O)(A) 622

Tamil Nadu Peasants & Workers Party TNPWP

294 Internationalist Democratic Party INDP 623 Tribal Prople Party TPP

295 Indian National Green Party INGP 624 Tamizhaga Rajiv Congress
TRC

296 Indian National League INL 625 The Religion of Man Revolving
Political Party of India TRMRPPI

297 Indian National Labour Party INLP 626 The Tamil Nadu State Indian
Union Muslim League TTNSIUML

298 Indian National Party INP 627 Tamizhaga Munnetra Munnani

TZMM

299 Indian National Secular Front INSF 628 Tamizhar Party TZP

300 Indian People's Congress IPC 629 United Bodo Nationalist Liberation
Front UBNLF

301 Indian People's Front IPF 630 United Citizens Party UCP

302 Islamic Party of India IPI 631 United Communist Party of India
UCPI

303 Indian Republican Front IRF 632 United Indian Democratic Council
UIDC
304 Indian Secular Congress ISC 633 United India Peoples Party UIPP

305 Indian Union Muslim League IUML 634 Uttarkhand Party UKD

306 Jai Bharat Party JBP 635 Uttarakhand Kranti Dal UKKD

307 Janata Congress Party of Bharatvarsha JCPB 636 Uttar Pradesh Jan
Manas Party UPJMP

308 Janata Dal (A) JD(A) 637 United Peoples Party of Assam UPPA

309 Janata Dal (D) Rajasthan JD(D)R 638 Uttar Pradesh Republican
Party UPRP

310 Janata Dal (Pragatisheel) JD(P) 639 Uttar Pradesh Vikas Manch UPVM

311 Jan Ekta Morcha JEM 640 United Reservation Movement Council of
Assam URMCA

312 Janhit Morcha JHM 641 United Republican Party URP

313 Jammu And Kashmir Awami League JKAL 642 Uttarakhand Sanskriti
Parishad USP

314 Jammu & Kashmir Awami National Conference JKANC 643 United
Tribal Nationalists Liberation Front UTNLF

315 Janata Kranti Congress JKC 644 Vivasayi Anbhu Katchi VAK

316 Jawan Kisan Mazdur Party JKMP 645 Vishal Bharat Party VBP

317 J & K National Panthers Party JKNPP 646 Vikaswadi Communism

Party VCP

318 Jharkhand Party JKP 647 Vishal Haryana Party VHP

319 Jharkhand Party (Naren) JKP(N) 648 Vijeta Party VJP

320 Jammu And Kashmir Peoples Front JKPF 649 Vokkaligara Parishat
VLP

321 Jharkhand People's Party JKPP 650 Vikas Party VP

322 Jharkhand Liberation FrontJLF 651 Vidarbha Praja PartyVPP

323 Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (Ulgulan) JMM(U) 652 Vidharabha

Rajya Mukti Morcha VRMM

324 Jananishta JN 653 West Bengal Socialist Party (S.N.J. Mirza)

WBSP(M)
325 Jai Naujawan Jai Mazdoor Kissan Party JNJMKP 654 West Orissa
Peoples Front WOPF

326 Jan Kranti Morcha JNKM 655 Workers Party of India WPI

327 Jammu & Kashmir People Conference JPC 656 Yuva Desham Party
YDP

328 Jana Priya JPR 657 Yatharthawadi Jan Morcha YJM

329 Jan Parishad JPS

List of Upcoming Political Parties

Below is list given for upcoming political parties in India for the 2014 Lok Sabha
Elections. All these parties are waiting for Election Commission's approval and if
approved they will receive their symbols for contesting in the upcoming General
Elections by March last or in April 1st week.

S. No. Party Name S. No. Party Name

1 Akhil Bhartiya Swarn Party 13 Janhit Sangharsh Party

2 All India Azaad Congress Party 14 Madurai Manila Iyakkam

3 All India Ulama Congress 15 Mahajana Socialist Party

4 Awami Vikas Party 16 Nav Jan Kranti Party

5 Democratic Corruption Liberation Front 17 Navyug Party

6 Ezhuchi Tamizhargal Munnetra Kazhagam 18 Rajanna Dalam Party

7 Gareeb Aadmi Party 19 Rashtriya Aam Party

8 Haryana Janta Party 20 Rashtriya Rashtrawadi Party

9 Hindustan Peoples Party (Rajpal) 21 Rashtriya Shoshit Samaj Party

10 Hindustan Shakti Sena 22 Suraaj Seva Dal

11 Hindustani Awaam Party 23 Telangana Communist Party of India

12 Jana Hitha Paksha 24 Ujjwal Rashtra Party