Explanation
In India, recognition to a political party is accorded by the Election Commission of India. The Election Commission is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering elections in India at the national and state levels.
According to the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968, a political party is recognized as a national party or a state party based on its performance in the previous general election or state legislative assembly election.
To be recognized as a national party, a political party must secure at least 6% of the valid votes polled in any four or more states at a general election or win at least 2% of seats in the Lok Sabha from at least three different states.
To be recognized as a state party, a political party must secure at least 6% of the valid votes polled in the state at a general election or win at least 3% of the seats in the legislative assembly of the state.
Once a party is recognized as a national or state party, it is entitled to certain privileges, such as a reserved symbol for its exclusive use, access to the electoral roll for free, and free airtime on public broadcasters during elections.
