BJP leader Annamalai has left BJP and announced a new political party We The Leaders.
Annamalai, who recently resigned from the Bharatiya Janata Party, has announced a new political movement We The Leaders. He has also given information about the country’s participation in the upcoming elections on this banner. Due to his move, a political earthquake is visible in Tamil Nadu. Annamalai, who resigned from his post as an IPS officer and entered politics after completing his MBA from IIM Lucknow, is seen as a hard-working politician in Tamil Nadu. Come, let us know on this pretext how one can form a political party, what conditions are necessary, what will happen if it is not followed? What are the conditions for getting national party status?
It is legally possible to form a new political party in India. This work starts with registration. After this, recognition is given on the basis of performance in elections. Registration and recognition are two different things. Many times people consider them to be the same.
FIRST STEP OBJECTIVE AND NAME OF THE PARTY
First of all write your objective clearly. Decide on which issues you will work. You must have a small, trusted team. Keep people who understand organization, law, accounting and media in the team. Don’t make big claims in the beginning. Make small goals. Then gradually expand.
Choose a short and memorable name. The name should be such that it does not create confusion in the society. Do not keep a name too similar to the name of an already existing party. The name should not contain inflammatory or hateful words. Make a list before deciding on a name. Keep two-three alternative names also. This provides convenience in application.
Annamalai is seen as a hardworking politician in Tamil Nadu. Photo: PTI
Where does registration take place?
Political parties are registered with the Election Commission of India. After registration the party can contest elections. But this does not make the party a national or state party. It only provides legal identity. After this your responsibilities also increase.
Why is party constitution necessary?
It is necessary for the party to have its own constitution. The aim of the party should be written in it. The terms and conditions of membership should be written. There should be rules for internal elections and posts. The process of discipline should be clear. The method of complaint and appeal should be written. The clearer the Constitution is, the less disputes there will be over time.
How to get the party symbol?
The Election Commission of India allots symbols based on its rules. The new party does not get the reserved symbol in the beginning. Often at the time of election one has to choose from the available free symbols. In some states, there may also be a system of getting a similar symbol for one election. It completely depends on the rules and availability. Therefore, do not draw big conclusions regarding the sign from the first day.
Foundations of Membership and Organization
The party needs grassroots workers. Social media alone does not run a party. Run a membership campaign. Keep records of members. Keep name, address and contact details correct. If you charge membership fees, keep the receipt. Transparency builds trust. Votes are not received without trust.
What documents are required at the time of application?
Many information has to be given while applying to the Commission. The name and address of the party has to be given. List of officials has to be given. Looks like a copy of the party constitution. Office address and means of communication have to be given. Sometimes affidavits or declarations may also be asked. Therefore, keep the papers complete and correct. Wrong information becomes difficult later.
bank account, donation and accounting
Maintain a separate bank account in the name of the party. Keep records of party expenses and income. It is better to do big transactions through a bank. Keep a record of from whom the donation came and how much it came. Also enter where the expenditure took place. If accounts are kept clean, disputes will be reduced and legal risks will also be reduced.
Political parties are registered with the Election Commission of India. Photo: PTI
Why is it necessary to follow the conditions?
The rules are there so that elections remain fair and public trust is maintained. If one party breaks the rules, other parties will also do the same. Then the election system will be weak. Therefore the Commission pays attention to the rules. The party should also take the rules seriously.
What can happen if the conditions are not followed?
If the documents are incomplete the application may get stuck. If the information is incorrect then the application may be cancelled. If the violation of rules is serious, action may be taken. Many times the party gets a warning. Sometimes registration may also be affected. Therefore, do not fill the form in a quick manner. Follow the correct procedure from the beginning to avoid any inconvenience.
Preparation to contest elections, tickets, candidates
It is not necessary to win elections as soon as a party is formed. Create organization first. Raise local issues. Keep the process of deciding candidates transparent. There is loss due to arbitrariness in ticket distribution. Keep language in moderation while campaigning. Avoid personal allegations. Talk about issues. This builds the credibility of the party.
How to get recognition of a state party?
To become a state party, good performance in any one state is necessary. Normally 6 percent of valid votes are obtained. Be successful in winning at least two seats. Must have received six percent of the total valid votes cast in the Lok Sabha elections. Have won a seat. In simple words, you have to show solid public support in a state. Mere rallies or social media trends are not enough. The election results are the real measure. The state can be recognized even if it wins three percent of the total seats in the state assembly.
How does a national party get recognition?
For recognition of the national party, the demonstration should take place in more than four states. A party that gets six percent or more of the total valid votes cast in the Lok Sabha or Legislative Assembly elections can get recognition. The Commission generally looks at the terms of vote share and seats. National recognition can also be achieved by winning two percent of the total Lok Sabha seats from at least three states. Even if there is state level recognition in at least four states, the Commission grants recognition as a national party. The conclusion is clear that to become a national party, a multi-state base is necessary.
What are the benefits of becoming a national party?
On getting recognition as a national party, the party gets some special facilities. Helps in promotion and recognition. Stability of the election symbol is beneficial. The party’s position is clear among the media and the public. But, with benefits also increases responsibility. A wrong statement or wrong step has an impact across the country.
Annamalai is also a grassroots leader. Photo: PTI
Why is Annamalai initiative in discussion?
There are many reasons to discuss Annamalai’s latest initiative. Vijay Thalapathi’s party, which contested the elections for the first time by ousting established parties, won. Today he is the CM. Annamalai is also a grassroots leader. Are educated. That’s why the discussion about his initiative is intense. Competition is also going to increase. In such a situation, politics is natural. Votes may get divided as soon as a new option comes. Old alliances may break. New alliances can be formed. The focus of the media may change. Workers may also move here and there. This effect is more pronounced in states like Tamil Nadu. Because the influence of regional identity and leadership is very deep there.
Right process, clear intentions, continuous hard work
Forming your own political party is a big step. There is a legal process as well as social responsibility in this. Fulfill the conditions. Keep the paper correct. Keep accounts clean. Then proceed slowly in the elections. Recognition of a national party does not happen in a day. This comes from consistent performance. If the goal is clear and hard work is continuous, then the new party can also make a big impact.
Also read: Competition of one party vs opposition, where do Nehru-Modi stand on the electoral scale?
