According to the Election Commission, a political party is classified as a 'national party' if it satisfies any one of the following conditions. Which option correctly lists a set of conditions that fulfil the definition?
Answer
Wins at least 2% of total seats in the Lok Sabha from at least three different states.
The correct answer is Wins at least 2% of total seats in the Lok Sabha from at least three different states. — Select Option B as the correct statement.
Step-by-step solution
- Recall the official criteria for a national party: (i) 6% of valid votes in at least four states and a minimum of four Lok Sabha seats; (ii) at least 2% of total Lok Sabha seats (i.e., 11 seats) from at least three states; (iii) recognised as a state party in at least four states.
- Examine each option:
- Option A mentions 6% in four states but only 3 Lok Sabha seats – the seat requirement is wrong.
- Option B matches the second official criterion (2% of seats from three states).
- Option C uses 8% in six states, which is not a defined criterion.
- Option D combines 5% of seats with presence in 15 states, neither of which matches any official condition.
- Select Option B as the correct statement.
Common mistake: Choosing an option that resembles a real criterion but contains a subtle error, such as an incorrect number of seats or percentage.
Concept tested: Criteria for national party status
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Related questions
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- 2 Which of the following is NOT a function of a political party?
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- 6 Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a democratic system as described in the chapter "Outcomes of Democracy"?