Devoted Indian

A SPACE MARKETING INITIATIVE MANGALURU яБо APRIL 2019

DEV TED INDIAN

A special edition on the 2019 general election and why each committed voter counts

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CONTENTS SUFFRAGE SEASON

Brief on the 2019 Indian general election which is scheduled to be held in 7 phases from 11 April 2019 to 19 May 2019 to constitute the 17th Lok Sabha.

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12 SEVEN DAYS OF HOPE

The phase-wise schedule of the election, nationwide.

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BEDROCK

With a population of over 1.2 billion, India has a system of elections that is both daunting and praiseworthy.

20 INTERVIEWS

Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation program Chiefs from Mangaluru & Udupi

PRIME & POWERFUL

The role of the Prime Minister of the country

BALLOT BLISS

The importance of voting and how it can change the course of our future.

24 ELECTION FAQS

Some facts about the election process in the country

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Suffrage Season Voting is a civic sacrament, and this year, like in the past, no rhetoric can diminish the importance of each vote.

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he 2019 Indian general election is scheduled to be held in 7 phases from 11 April 2019 to 19 May 2019 to constitute the 17th Lok Sabha.

The counting of votes will be conducted on 23 May 2019 and on the same day the results will be declared.

Legislative Assembly elections in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim will be held simultaneously with the general election.

The 543 elected MPs will be elected from single-member constituencies using first-past-the-post voting. The President of India nominates an additional two members from the Anglo-Indian community if he believes the community is under-represented.

Eligible voters must be Indian citizens, 18 or older, an ordinary resident of the polling area of the constituency and possess a valid voter identification card issued by the Election Commission of India. Some people convicted of electoral or other offences are barred from voting.

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SEVEN DAYS

PHASE-WISE SCHEDULE, THE NUMBER OF SEATS IN EACH

PHASE 1, APRIL 11 91 seats, 20 States Andhra Pradesh (all 25) Arunachal Pradesh (2) Assam (5) Bihar (4) Chhattisgarh (1) J&K (2) Maharashtra (7) Manipur (1) Meghalaya (2) Mizoram (1) Nagaland (1) Odisha (4) Sikkim (1) Telangana (17) Tripura (1) Uttar Pradesh (8) Uttarkhand (5) West Bengal (2) Andaman and Nicobar Islands (1) Lakshadweep (1)

PHASE 2, APRIL 18 97 seats, 13 States Assam (5) Bihar (5) Chhattisgarh (3) Jammu & Kashmir (2) Karnataka (14) Maharashtra (10) Manipur (1) Odisha (5) Tamil Nadu (all 39) Tripura (1) Uttar Pradesh (8) West Bengal (3) Puducherry (1)

PHASE 3, APRIL 23 115 seats, 14 States Assam (4) Bihar (5) Chhattisgarh (7) Gujarat (all 26) Goa (all 2) Jammu & Kashmire (1) Karnataka (14) Kerala (all 20) Maharashtra (14) Odisha (6) Uttar Pradesh (10) West Bengal (5) Dadra and Nagar Haveli (1) Daman and Diu (1)

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DATE OF COUN

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OF HOPE PHASE AND THEIR STATE-WISE BREAK-UP:

PHASE 4, APRIL 29 71 seats, 9 States Bihar (5) J&K (1) Jharkhand (3) Madhya Pradesh (6) Maharashtra (17) Odisha (6) Rajasthan (13) Uttar Pradesh (13) West Bengal (8)

PHASE 5, MAY 6

PHASE 6, MAY 12 59 seats, 7 States Bihar (8) Haryana (10) Jharkhand (4) Madhya Pradesh (8) Uttar Pradesh (14) West Bengal (8) National Capital Region (all 7)

51 seats, 7 States Bihar (5) Jharkhand (4) J&K (2) Madhya Pradesh (7) Rajasthan (12) Uttar Pradesh (14) West Bengal (7)

NTING: MAY 23

PHASE 7, MAY 19 59 seats, 8 States Bihar (8) Jharkhand (3) Madhya Pradesh (8) Punjab (all 13) West Bengal (9) Chandigarh (1) Uttar Pradesh (13) Himachal Pradesh (all 4)

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BEDROCK 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.

Elections form the core of the largest democracy in the world - India. Since Independence, as many as 16 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. Elections provide a way to the people to assert their voice, opinion and choose the person to represent them in the lower house. In India the elections are not new and they started taking place before the independence from British rule itself. But before independence the franchise was quite limited and very few were having rights to participate and vote. After independence, India adopted universal adult suffrage and each adult Indian got the right to vote.

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The importance of elections in India—and for that matter, in any democracy: 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 demon-

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strate 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.

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BALLOT BLISS

It is that time of life when people elect a leader who is indissolubly connected with their fate. And when people skip an election, it is not rebellion. It is surrendering their destiny.

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oting 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 impor-

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tance 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.

SVEEP MANGALURU

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‘We have tried to connect with people through what they enjoy’

S E LV A M A N I R

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ystematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation program, better known as SVEEP, is the flagship program of the Election Commission of India for voter education, spreading voter awareness and promoting voter literacy in India.

Since 2009, it has been working towards preparing India’s electors and equipping them with basic knowledge related to the electoral process.

SVEEP’s primary goal is to build a truly participative democracy in India by encouraging all eligible citizens to vote and make an infor med decision during the elections.

Dakshina Kannada district’s SVEEP programme president and Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Selvamani R speaks about various programmes that the district SVEEP had undertaken for this election to ensure maximum turnout.

What was new this year for DK? The entire coast had a human chain on April 7. At every kilometre, there were cultural performances, live band, and magic performances by Kudroli Ganesh. A beach kite festival was also part of the human chain.

How were transgender voters involved?

The assembly elections was the first time for many to register themselves in their category. This time, an orientation was held to fix the loopholes of the previous time — some had complained about not finding their booth or having the right documents.

Was coastal art being involved this year?

More than 30 jingles of thirty seconds each were spread across extensively through social media and radio. Most of these were in Tulu and had Yakshagana troupes.

The whole point was to connect to people through what they enjoy.

What was the most prominent reason for persons to not vote?

As per a study by Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP), a majority of non-voters stated ‘not found my name on the voter’s list’ as a reason.

Hence, SVEEP advocated for enrollment since months with college-level competitions in December, followed by registrations of new voters in January and February.

Can you mention one aspect where the district has overtaken others in the state?

Visiblity. Apart from occupying all 78 government billboards, the district SVEEP had the largest billboard at Lalbagh in two languages — English and Kannada, reinstating in people that ‘Voting is my right’.

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SVEEP UDUPI

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‘The response was very encouraging in the district’

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ith an intention of not just creating awareness about voting but also to increase voter turnout during the forthcoming parliamentary elections, Zilla Panchayat CEO and President of SVEEP committee, Udupi, Sindhu B Rupesh was in total control. She speaks about her startegy.

How did you plan the SVEEP activities so that it reached various strata of the society?

SVEEP activities are designed for making the elections inclusive.

In this context special drives were taken to inform and encourage PwD voters, women voters, tribals, young voters, trangenders, migrant laborers, etc.

How did you source the staff to design the SVEEP activities in the district? Did you provide any training to them?

SVEEP activities are taken up by the various departments of the Government with their respective staff.

We had roped in Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, SHGs, NGOs and other Social organisations to take up the same. They were issued with publicity material and briefed.

How was the response from

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SINDHU B RUPESH

SVEEP activities are designed for making the elections inclusive. In this context special drives were taken to inform and encourage PwD voters, women voters, tribals, young voters, trangenders, migrant laborers, etc. the people?

The response was very encouraging in the district. In the mock EVM polling held at all polling locations and at various other venues, we reached more than a lakh voters. The crowd pulling events like Yakshagana performed in Malpe beach and street plays have

had positive rewards. The SVEEP committee has also made attempts to spread the message of importance of voting through the use of traditional puppetry. Popular folk artist Bhaskar Kamath and team from Uppinakudru have made a puppetry show about voting and the videos of the same have been circulated in social media platforms and there is good response from the public.

Did you make any special efforts to woo people in remote areas to come and vote? Did you identify any places that registered lower turn out in the previous elections?

In all polling stations which registered less than 10% of average polling, special drives were taken up with the help of volunteers and NGOs. Special tribal booths is being set up to encourage tribal voters. Transportation facilities were provided to PwD voters. In polling station limits wheel chairs, magnifying glass have been provided along with other assured minimum facilities.

Twenty five women booths are set up where all the polling personnel will be women. Two booths are going to be totally manned by PwD voters.

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SUPREME ASSEMBLY The Parliament of India or the legislature is divided into two houses namely the upper and the lower house or two sabhas namely the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha. The Lok Sabha is also called the Lower house and the Rajya Sabha can be addressed as the Upper house.

Legislature or Parliament headed by President of India

Rajya Sabha (Upper House) Council of states Term: 6years (1/3 members retire every 2 years) 238 members elected by state MLAs +12 nominated by President for contributions to art, literature, science, etc.

Speaker - Vice President (elected by both Lok and Rajya Sabha members)

The Legislature or Parliament is headed by the President of India.

The term of Rajya Sabha is six years (one-third of its members retire every two years and are replaced by newly elected members) and the term of Lok Sabha is five years. The Lok Sabha can be dissolved. In Rajya Sabha, 238 members are elected by the State and 12 members are nominated by the President for their contribution in the fields of art, literature, science and social services. In Lok Sabha, 543 members are elected by the voting population of India and two Anglo Indians are elected by the President of India. The Speaker, who is the Presiding Officer of the Lok Sabha, is elected by its members. The Vice President of India, who is the ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha, is elected by the members of an electoral college consisting of the members of both the Houses of Parliament.

Lok Sabha (Lower House) House of the People Term: 5 years (automatically dissolved) 543 members elected by general population + 2 Anglo Indian elected by President of India.

Speaker (elected by Lok Sabha Members) No Voting rights Except the decisive vote.

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Lok Sabha The Lok Sabha, also known as the Lower House, is the “House of the People”. It comprises 543 members who are elected from the (parliamentary) constituencies and two members of Anglo-Indian community who are nominated by the President of India. The citizens of India directly elect the 543 members exercising the universal adult franchise.

All the Indian citizens, who are aged 18 years and above, irrespective of their gender, caste, religion or race, are eligible to vote to elect their representatives to the Parliament. The requirement for being elected in the Lok Sabha is that the person must be a citizen of India, should be mentally sound and should not be bankrupt and criminally convicted.

The minimum age for membership of the Lok Sabha is 25 years. Out of the 543 parliamentary constituencies, 131 seats belong to the reserved category, 84 seats are reserved for the people belonging to Scheduled Casts (SC) and 47 seats are reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST) categories.

Rajya Sabha The Rajya Sabha or the Upper House is the “Council of States”. The Rajya Sabha is a permanent body and can’t be dissolved. One-third of the members retire every second year and newly elected members replace them. The members of the Rajya Sabha are indirectly elected by the members of the various state legislative assemblies for a fixed term of six years. The Rajya Sabha can have a maximum of 250 members in all. Out of those, 238 members are to be elected from the States and Union Territories and 12 are nominated by the President of India. The minimum age for membership of the Rajya Sabha is 30 years.

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Top 10 Facts about the Indian Parliament The Parliament of India is circular which represents “Continuity”. Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are horse shoe in shape. Lok Sabha carpet is green in color which represents that India is an Agriculture land and the people here are elected from grass root level, Rajya Sabha carpet is red in color which denotes royalty and also tells about the sacrifice done by the freedom fighters. The library in the Indian Parliament is the second largest in India. Circumference of Parliament is 1/3rd of a mile i.e. 536.33m The first hour (i.e. between 11 to 12 noon) is known as the Question Hour. During this, MPs put forward questions about the policies, government and different bills. Around 12 noon, MPs can discuss any important topic with prior notice to the Speaker. This is known as Zero Hour. President’s office is in Room number 13 of Parliament. Parliament canteen is the cheapest in the country with 3 course veg meal in 61 Rs and Chicken Biryani for Rs. 51. Voting in Parliament is done electronically for the questions asked, amendments, new bills etc. There is a voting console, a system with colored buttons, green for a Yes, Red for No and Yellow for abstain.

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THE SCRUTINEER Chief Election Commissioner of India is the head of the Election Commission of the country. He or she is generally an Indian Civil Service member and is likely to be from the Indian Administrative Services.

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he Chief Election Commissioner of India is appointed by the President and once appointed it is extremely difficult to remove him from authority as it requires twothirds of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha’s votes against him. According to the Election Commission 1991 act, the salary of the Chief Election Commissioner of India is same as that of the Supreme Court Judge.

Roles and Responsibilities As the head of the apex election body, he sees that elections at national and state level are conducted free and fair.

The final decision of disqualification of a political member or a party also lies with him. He also has the authority to pass a law regarding elections. He can also advise the President for disqualification of any member.

Who is the Chief Election Commissioner of India?

SUNIL ARORA, CHIEF ELECTION COMMISSIONER OF INDIA

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The present Chief Election Commissioner of India is Sunil Arora. He was appointed on November 26, 2018 and assumed office on December 2, 2018.

He was preceded by Om Prakash Rawat.

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PRIME &

POWERFUL The Prime Minister of India is the head of the executive branch of the Government of India. His or her position is distinct from that of the President of India, who is the head of the State Roles and Responsibilities of Prime Minister Link between President and Council of Ministers The Prime Minister is the leader of the Council of Ministers and serves as the channel of communication between the President and the Council of Ministers. It is his or her duty to communicate to the President all the decisions taken by the Council of Ministers and to provide information regarding administration of the Union or proposals for the legislature as called for by the President.

Allocation of Portfolios He or she allocates portfolios among the ministers and distributes work among various ministries and offices. The Prime Minister coordinates work among various ministries and departm e n ts through the Cabi net Secretariat.

In-Charge of Ministries Prime Minister also retains certain portfolios that are not allocated to other ministers. He or she is generally in charge of the following ministries/departments: Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Ministry of Planning Department of Atomic Energy Department of Space Appointments Committee of the Cabinet Leader of the Cabinet The Prime Minister summons and presides over meetings of the cabinet and determines what business shall be transacted in these meetings.

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Link between the Parliament and the Cabinet The Prime Minister is also the link between the cabinet and the Parliament. He or she is the chief spokesperson of the government in the Parliament, along with the leader of the party in majority in the Lok Sabha. It is his or her responsibility to announce important policy decisions. The Prime Minister can also intervene in debates of general importance in the Parliament to clarify the government’s stand or policy.

Official Representative The Prime Minister represents India in various delegations, high-level meetings and international organisations and also addresses the nation on various occasions of national importance.

Powers/Authorities of Prime Minister The various powers and authorities enjoyed by the Prime Minister are as follows: Head of the Government The Prime Minister of India is the head of the Gover nment.

Though the President is the head of the State, most of the executive de-

cisions are taken by the Prime Minister. All the important decision-making bodies in India, like the Union Cabinet and the Planning Commission, run under his or her supervision.

Leader of the Council of Ministers As far as the Prime Minister’s relation to the Council of Ministers is concerned, his or her position is that of “First among Equals”. In the case of death or resignation of the Prime Minister, the entire Council of Ministers has to resign.

The ministers directly report to the Prime Minister. He or she can also remove a minister by asking for his or her resignation or having him dismissed by the President. If any difference of opinion arises between the Prime Minister and any other minister, the opinion of the Prime Minister prevails.

Leader of the Parliament The Prime Minister is the Leader of the House to which he or she belongs. He or she can also take part in debates in the House of which he or she is not a member. He or she can also advise the President to dissolve the Lok Sabha.

Re p r e s e n t at ive o f t h e Country In international affairs, he or she is the spokesperson of the country.

The Prime Minister plays a major role in directing India’s foreign policy.

Facilities offered to Prime Minister Some of the amenities provided to the Indian Prime Minister are:  Official residence: 7, Race Course Road or “Panchavati” Personal staff Special Protection Group (SPG) who is responsible for his or her security  Prime Ministerial car (currently BMW 750i) Exclusive aircraft (Air India One)

Selection Process of Prime Minister The Constitution states that the President of India should appoint the leader of the party or alliance which is in majority in the Lok Sabha as the Prime Minister of India.

In case no party or alliance enjoys

DEV TED INDIAN majority, the President appoints the leader of the largest party or alliance as the Prime Minister. But he or she has to win the confidence vote in the Lower House of the Parliament as early as possible. A member of either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha can be appointed as the Prime Minister. If he or she is not a member of either House of the Parliament then he or she has to be elected to either House within six months of his appointment. As the Prime Minister, he or she is the Leader of the House of which he or she is a member.

Minister does not have a fixed tenure. The full term of the Prime Minister is five years, which coincides with the normal life of the Lok Sabha. However, the term can end sooner if he or she loses the vote of confidence in the Lower House. So, it can be said that he or she remains in power as long as he or she enjoys the confidence of the Lok Sabha. The Prime Minister can also resign by writing to the President. There are no term limits on the office of the Prime Minister. There is also no official retirement age.

Term and Retirement Age of Prime Minister

Eligibility Criteria to become Prime Minister of India

Unlike the President, the Prime

To be eligible for the position of

the Prime Minister of India, a person should: Be a citizen of India.  Be a member of either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha. Complete 25 years of age if he or she is a member of the Lok Sabha or 30 years if he or she is a member of the Rajya Sabha.

A person cannot be the Prime Minister of India if he or she holds any office of profit under the Government of India, the government of any state, or any local or other authority subject to the control of any of the said governments.

Gross Salary `1,60,000

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Interesting Facts about Indian Prime Ministers

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Jawaharlal Nehru was the longest serving Indian Prime Minister, starting from India’s independence in 1947 to his death in 1964.

Gulzari Lal Nanda served twice as the acting Prime Minister of India after the death of Jawaharlal Nehru and Lal Bahadur Shastri.

Indira Gandhi was the first woman to receive the Bharat Ratna. She was also awarded Bangladesh’s highest civilian award “Bangladesh Swadhinata Samman” in 2011.

Morarji Desai was the first non-Congress Prime Minister of India. He was also the first Prime Minister to resign without completing his full term.

Morarji Desai is the only Indian Prime Minister to be conferred upon the Nishaan-e-Pakistan (Pakistan’s highest civilian award).

Rajiv Gandhi was the youngest Indian Prime Minister; he assumed office at the age of 40.

Rajiv Gandhi was the first Prime Minister of India to live in 7, Race Course.

P.V. Narasimha Rao was the first Prime Minister from South India.

H.D. Deve Gowda was the first Prime Minister of India who was a member of the Rajya Sabha.

Dr. Manmohan Singh was the longest-serving Prime Minister of India who was a member of the Rajya Sabha (2004-2014).

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ELECTION FAQS

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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.

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.

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 while casting their vote. If one has lost his or her voter Id, then also he or she can cast a vote by submitting an alternative document, issued by the union government, public limited companies, passbooks issued by banks or post office, etc.

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.

ELECTION GYAN What are the local body elections which happen in India ?

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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.

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.

Elections to Zila Parishad or 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 Village Panchayat being 75.

Elections: A village having a population of 500 must have a Gram Panchayat.

Members are elected by How a Political party is villagers for five years. registered?

Elections are conducted by election commissioner The first step towards being with District recognised as a political party is to Collector and get registered with the Election Election to Panchayat Tehsildar.

Commission of India. Registration is Samiti is composed of mandatory for a party, following elected members of the which it can avail the provisions of area including the heads of the Gram Panchayats, the Representation of the People the elected members of Act, 1951. the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and the state legislature who belong to the block.

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ELECTION FAQS What are EVMs? 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 better replacement for the old paper ballot system.

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.

What documents are required to be enclosed with Form 6? Single and recent passport sized photograph (should be affixed in the space provided in the form) 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) Photocopy of address proof (like current pass book, ration card, driving license, passport, income tax assessment order, etc.

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DEV TED INDIAN Can an NRI settled in foreign land

Can a non-citizen of

become an elector of electoral roll in

India become a

India?

voter?

There is a provision in the

No, voting in India is

Representation of People Act, 1950

only limited to

(Section 20A), which states that “An

citizens of India.

NRI settled in a foreign land can be

People holding

an elector of electoral roll in India”.

citizenship of

The NRI must hold a valid Indian

another country are

passport that mentions his/her place

not eligible .

of residence in India.

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Who is eligible to be

What is NOTA?

registered as a voter?

NOTA is the

Person has to be a citizen

abbreviation for

of India;

“None of the Above”.

He/she must be 18 or

This allows voters,

more years of age, as on

who do not consider

the year of the electoral

any of the

roll revision; He/she should hold proof of residence in India no

to still cast their votes.

matter where he is living

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2

candidates eligible

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.

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

What are the main categories of electors in India?

A regional political party can become eligible to be recognised as a

Electors are citizens who are eligible to vote in India. They are of

national party if it is able to fulfill any of the following terms:

three main types or categories:

The regional party has been able to win 2% of the seats in the latest

1. General Electors– residents of India who can vote in a polling

held Lok Sabha (11 seats) from a minimum of three different states.

booth

In an election to the Lok Sabha or Legislative Assembly,if the

2. Service Electors– residents of India who work for the Indian

regional party is able to win 4 lok sabha seats and has polled 6 % of

Government away from their home or are in the Armed Forces

the total valid votes in at least four states.

3. Overseas Electors– non-residential Indians who have not taken

The regional party is recognized as a state party in a minimum of

citizenship of any other country

four states in the country.

ELECTION FAQS

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

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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.

DEV TED INDIAN Can a person confined in jail vote?

No. As per the provisions in the Representation of People Act, 1951, Section 62 (5), a person in prison, is not eligible to cast his vote.

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How much is the security deposit for an election?

A general candidate has to pay Rs. 25,000 for Lok Sabha Election. Candidates belonging to the SC/ST are eligible for concession of Rs. 12,500. For Assembly Elections, general candidates have to pay Rs. 10,000), and SC/ST Rs. 5,000.

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 deposits.

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Can anyone vote more than once, even if his name is included

Can anyone vote more than once, even if his name is included

What is the penalty if a candidate does not file his account of election

(wrongly) at more than

expenses?

one place?

Disqualification from

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.

becoming a “member of either House of Parliament or Legislative Assembly or Legislative Council of a State” for a period of three years.

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3. The application should be accompanied with a demand draft of

(wrongly) at more than one place?

Rs. 10,000/-, which is the non-refundable processing fee. The

No, voting more than once is against the law, even if a voter’s name is

demand draft should be in favour of the Under Secretary, Election

registered mistakenly or wrongly in more than one place.

Commission of India, New Delhi.

4. The application should mention the party’s memorandum, list of

What is the procedure for political party registration?

rules and regulations, members and their details, particulars of bank

The procedure for political party registration is as follows –

account and PAN number issued in the party’s name, and about their

1. The Election Commission issues a proforma for new political

constitution.

parties. It can be downloaded from the official website or obtained in

5. The application and associated documents should reach the

person from the Commission’s office in New Delhi.

Secretary to the Election Commission of India within 30 days from

2. The application should be as per the prescribed proforma, neatly

the party’s formation date.

typed having the political party’s letter head.

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DEV TED INDIAN

ABBREVIATIONS AND FULL FORMS OF POLITICAL PARTIES ABAS: Akhil Bharatiya Ashok Sena ABBDP: Akhil Bhartiya Bharat Desham Party, Delhi ABBMPP: Akhil Bharatiya Bharat Mata-Putra Paksha ABBNS: Akhil Bharatiya Bhrastachar Nirmoolan Sena ABBP: Akhil Bhartiya Berozgaar Party ABD: Akhil Bharatiya Dal ABDBM: Akhil Bharatiya Desh Bhakt Morcha ABDD: Akhil Bharatiya Dharmnirpeksh Dal ABDM: Akhil Bharatiya Dastkar Morcha ABDUP: Akhil Bharatiya Dalit Utthan Party ABEA: Akhand Bharat Ekta Andolan ABGBP: Akhil Bharatiya Gareeb Party ABGL: Akhil Bharatiya Gorkha League ABGLP: Akhil Bharatiya General Labour Party ABGMKP: Akhil Bharatiya Garib Mazdoor Kisan Party ABHKSP: Akhil Bharatiya Hindustani Krantikari Samajwadi Party ABHM: Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha ABHS: Akhil Bharatiya Sena ABJC: Akhil Bharatiya Janata Congress ABJJP: Akhil Bharatiya Janhit Jagrit Party ABJND: Akhil Bharatiya Jagrook Nagrik Dal ABJS: Akhil Bharatiya Jan Sangh ABJVP: Akhil Bhartiya Janata Vikas Party ABKMM: Akhil Bharatiya Kissan Mazdoor Morcha ABLRP: Akhil Bharatiya Lokraj Party ABLTASJM: Akhil Bharatiya Lok Tantrik AlpSankhyak Jan Morcha ABLTC: Akhil Bhartiya Lok Tantrik Congress ABLTP: Akhil Bharatiya Loktantra Party ABMAD: Akhil Bharatiya Manav Adhikar Dal ABMD: Akhil Bharatiya Mahila Dal ABMKRRC: Akhil Bharatiya Manav Kalyan Ram Rajya Committee ABMM: Akhil Bharatiya Maratha Mahasangh ABMSD: Akhil Bartiya Manav Seva Dal ABMSKP: Akahand Bharat Mahasangh Sarvahara Krantikari Party ABP: Ambedkarbadi Party ABPP: Akhil Bharatiya Pichhadavarg Party ABRAHP: Akhil Bharatiya Rashtriya Azad Hind Party ABRC(D): Akhil Bharatiya Rajivwadi Congress (Dubey) ABRRP(P): Akhil Bharatiya Ram Rajya Parishad (Prem Ballabh Vyas) ABRRP(V): Akhil Bharatiya Ram Rajya Parishad (V.S.Atul).

ABRS: Akhil Bharatiya Rajarya Sabha ABRSS: Akhil Bharatiya Rashtriya Sanathan Sabha ABRSSD: Akhil Bharatiya Revolutionary Shoshit Samaj Dal ABS: Abhinav Bharat Sangh ABSR: Akhil Bharatiya Shivsena Rashtrawadi AD: Apna Dal ADP: Annadata Party AGP: Asom Gana Parishad AGRJP: Agar Jan Party AHF: Azad Hind Fauz (R) AHL(AG): All Party Hill Leader’s Conference (Armison Marak Group) AIAHMJKP: All India Azad Hind Mazdur And Jan Kalyan Party AIADMK: All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam AICDBPP: All India Christian Democratic And Backward People’s Party AIDPF: All India Democratic People Federation AIFB: All India Forward Bloc AIFB(S): All India Forward Bloc (Subhasist) AIGC: All India Gareeb Congress AIHPC: All India Homeless People Congress AIIC(S): All India Indira Congress (Secular) AIJP: All India Justice Party AIKMS: All India Kisan Mazdoor Sabha AILRP: All India Lok Raj Party AILWP: All India Labour Welfare Party AIMF: All India Minorities Front AIMIM: All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen AIMLF: All India Muslim Forum AIMRP: All India Mahila Raj Party AINC: All India Nethaji Congress

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AINYP: All India National Youth Party AIP: Anti Injustice Party AIPD: All India Pravasi Dal AIPP: All India People’s Party AIRKC: All India Rajiv Krantikari Congress AISBJSMD: All India Shiromani Baba Jiwan Singh Mazhbi Dal AITMF: All India Tribes And Minorities Front AITMC: All India Trinamool Congress AITUP: All India Tafsili United Party AIUM: All India Urdu Morcha AIVMK: All India Vakkalar Munnetra Kalagam AIYAD: All India Youth Akali Dal AJBP: Ajeya Bharat Party AJKPPF: All J & K Peoples Patriotic Front AJP: Asom Jatiya Parishad AKD: Ambedkar Kranti Dal AKMDMP: All Kerala M.G.R. Dravida Munnetra Party ALD: Adarsh Lok Dal AMB: Amra Bangalee ANP: Andhra Nadu Party ANVC: Andaman Nicobar Vikas Congress AP: Awami Party APM: Ambedkar Peoples Movement APMK: Ambedkar Puratchikara Makkal Katchi APNPP: Andhra Pradesh Navodaya Praja Party APP: Andaman People’s Party APRD: Ambedkar Pragatisheel Republican Dal ARD: Arya Dal ARNP: Aryan Nationalist Party ARS: Arya Sabha ASP: Ambedkar Samaj Party ATDP: Anna Telugu Desam Party ATMK: Anaithinthiya Thamizhaga Munnetra Kazhagam AUDF: Assam United Democratic Front AWD: Adarshwadi Dal AWNP: Awami National Party BADP: Bharatiya Adarash Party BAJP: Bharatiya Asht Jan Party BAMP: Bharatiya Ambedkar Party BAZP: Bharatiya Azad Party BBM: Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangha BBMKD: Bharatiya Berozgar Mazdoor Kisan Dal BBP: Bharatiya Backward Party BBPI: Bharat Bachao Party of India BCVD: Bhrashtachar Virodhi Dal BD: Bharat Dal BDBP: Bhartiya Deshbhakt Party BDD: Bharatiya Democratic Dal BDP: Bharatiya Dhuni Party BEP: Bharatiya Ekta Party BEP(R): Bahujan Ekta Party (R) BGJ: Bhartiya Gorkha Janashakti BGKS: Baghel Khand Samaj BGP: Bharatiya Gareeb Party BHJC: Bharatiya Jan Congress BHJP: Bharat Jan Party BHJS: Bhomi Jotak Samooh BHJVP: Bharatiya Jan Vikas Party BHRP: Bharatiya Rashtriya Parishad BHS: Bharatiya Hindu Sena BJC(R): Bhartiya Jana Congress (Rashtriya) BJD: Biju Janata Dal BJJJKP: Bharatiya Jai Jawan Jai Kisan Party BJJP: Bharatiya Jan Jagriti Party BJKLP: Bhartiya Jan Kalyan Party BJKP: Bharatiya Jan Kisan Party BJRP: Bahujan Republican Party BJP: Bharatiya Janata Party BJS: Bharatiya Jan Sabha BJSP: Bharatiya Jan-Shakti Party BJTP: Bharatiya Jantantrik Parishad BJVP: Bharatiya Janvadi Party BKD: Bahujan Kranti Dal BKD(J): Bahujan Kranti Dal (Jai) BKKGP: Bharatiya Kisan Kamgar Party BKKP: Bharatiya Krantikari Kammand Party BKLJP: Bharat Ki Lok Jimmedar Party BKMP: Bhartiya Kisan Mazdoor Party BKP(H): Bharatiya Krantikari Parishad (H) BKS: Bharatiya Kranti Sena BKSD(ML): Bharat Ka Samyawadi Dal (Marxist Leninwadi) BKSJP: Bharatiya Krantikari Swatantra Jan Parishad

BKSS: Bharti Krishak Seva Samaj BKUS: Bharatiya Krishi Udyog Sangh BKVD: Bundelkhand Vikas Dal BLKD: Bharatiya Lok Kalyan Dal BLLP: Bharti Lok Lehar Party BLP: Bharatiya Labour Party BLPP(PBH): Bodoland People’s Party (Premsing Brahma Group) BLPY: Bharatiya Lok Panchayat BLTMD: Bharatiya Lok Tantrik Mazdoor Dal BLTP: Bahujan Loktantrik Party BMC: Bharatha Makkal Congress BMD: Bharat Mukti Dal BMF: Bharatiya Momin Front BMM: Bundelkhand Mukti Morcha BMP(AI): Bharatiya Muhabbat Party (All India) BMP(S): Bharatiya Muslim Party (Siddiqui) BMRD: Bharatiya Manav Raksha Dal BMSKM: Bhartiya Mahashakti Morcha BMSM: Bharatiya Minorities Suraksha Mahasangh BND: Bharatiya Naujawan Dal BNJP: Bharathiya Nethaji Party BNJS: Bharat Nav Jyoti Sangh BNP: Bharat Nirudyog Party BNRP: Bharatiya Nagrik Party BOP: Bira Oriya Party BPF: Bharat Pensioner’s Front BPI: Bolshevik Party of India BPM: Bharatiya Parivartan Morcha BPNS: Brij Pradesh Nirman Sangh BPP: Bhartiya Pragatisheel Party BPSP: Bihar People’s Party BPTP: Bharatiya Prajatantra Party BRAP: Bahujan Rashtriya Party BRC: Bharatiya Rajiv Congress BRD: Bharatiya Rashtrawadi Dal BRED: Bharatiya Rashtriya Ekta Dal BRJJCP: Bharatiya Rashtriya Jan Jagran Congress Party BRJP: Bharatiya Rashtriya Janhit Party BRKP: Bhartiya Rakshak Party BRM: Bharatiya Rashtriya Morcha BRMD: Bharatiya Rashtriya Mazdoor Dal BRP: Bharatiya Rashtriya Party BRPP: Bharatiya Republican Paksha BRS: Bharatiya Rashtriya Sangh BRVP: Bhartiya Vikas Party BSD: Bharatiya Samaj Dal BSGP(S): Bharatiya Sanghathit Party (S) BSHD: Bharatiya Shramik Dal BSK: Bharatiya Sarvkalayan Kranti Dal BSKPB: Bharatiya Samaj Kalyan Party Bharat BSM: Bharteey Samajvadi Morcha BSMP: Bharatiya Samata Party BSP: Bahujan Samaj Party BSP(R): Bahujan Samaj Party (Raj Bahadur) BSSM: Bharatiya Samaj Sangathan Morcha BSVD: Bharatiya Seva Dal BSVP: Bharatiya Samajwadi Vikas Party BVP: Bahujan Vikas Party BYS: Bharatiya Yuva Shakti CDF: Christian Democratic Front CFA: Cooperator’s Front of Assam CKMP: Chhattisgarh Kisan Mazdoor Party CMK: Christian Mannetra Kazhagam CMM: Chhattisgarh Mukti Morcha CMPKSC: Communist Marxist Party Kerala State Committee COP: Congress of People CP: Chanakya Party CPI: Communist Party of India CPIM: Communist Party of India (Marxist) CPI(ML)(L): Communist Party of India (MarxistLenninist) (Liberation) CRP: Chhattisgarh Rajya Party CSP: Chhattisgarhi Samaj Party CSPJSD: Chotanagpur Santhal Pargana Jan Seva Dal CVP: Champaran Vikas Party DBJ: Desh Bachao Jan Morcha DBP: Desh Bhakt Party DBSM: Democratic Bahujan Samaj Morcha DDP: Doordarshi Party DFB: Democratic Forward Bloc DIP: Democratic Insaf Party DJD(JK): Democratic Janta Dal (J&K) DJMM: Democratic Jharkhand Mukti Morcha

DEV TED INDIAN

ABBREVIATIONS AND FULL FORMS OF POLITICAL PARTIES DKP: Deseeya Karshaka Party DM: Democratic Movement DMK: Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam DMKP: Dalit Mazdoor Kishan Party DP: Dravida Peravai DPC: Denzong People’s Chogpa DPI: Democratic Party of India DPK: Desia Pathukappu Kazhagam DPNF: Desh Punjab Niyaye Front DPP: Delhi Poorvanchal Party DSP: Dalit Samaj Party DSP(P): Democratic Socialist Party (Prabodh Chandra) DTMK: Dhiravida Thelgar Munnetra Kalagam DVP: Delhi Vikas Party DVSP: Divya Shakti Party EKD(UP): Ekta Kranti Dal U.P. EP: Ekta Party ESP: Ekta Samaj Party EU: Ephraim Union FCI: Federal Congress of India FB(S): Forward Bloc (Socialist) FOS: Federation of Sabhas GAVP: Gujarat Adijati Vikash Paksh GBBD: Gramya Bharat Bhoomi Dal GDF: Gorkha Democratic Front GGP: Gondvana Gantantra Party GGS: Ganatantrik Gana Sammilan GIP: Golden India Party GJJP: Gujarat Janata Parishad GJP: Garib Janata Party GMK: Grama Munnetra Kazhagam GMLP: Gommant Lok Pokx GNC: Garo National Council GNLF: Gorakha National Liberation Front GPI: Green Party of India GRC: Gandhiwadi Rashtriya Congress GS: Gurjar Sangh GSP: Gareebjan Samaj Party GVP: Goa Vikas Party GYVP: Gujarat Yuva Vikas Party HBP: Haryana Bhoomiheen Party HCYM: Haryana Chhatra Yuva Morcha HD: Hind Desham HDC: Haryana Democratic Congress HDVP: Hind Vikas Party HGP: Hindustani Gareebwadi Party HIP: Hindustan Inqualab Party HJKP: Hul Jhharkhand Party HJP: Hindustan Janta Party HKMP: Hind Kisan Mazdoor Party HKP: Himachal Kranti Party HLD: Haryana Lok Dal HM: Hind Morcha HNP: Hind National Party HPP: Hindu Praja Party HRPI: Human Rights Party of India HS: Himachal Sangam HSGP: Hind Swarajya Ganatantra Party HSP: Hindu Samaj Party HSPP: Hindustani Samajwadi Peoples Party HSPS(B): Hindustan Samajwadi Prajatantar Sena (Bharat) HTP: Hindustan Party IBSP: Indian Bahujan Smajwadi Party IDP: Indian Democratic Party IDPP: Indian Democratic Peoples Party IDSP: Indian Democratic Socialist Party IFWP: Indian Farmers And Workers Party ILC: Indian Labour Congress ILF: Indian Liberation Front IMC: Indian Muslim Congress INC: Indian National Congress INDP: Internationalist Democratic Party INGP: Indian National Green Party INL: Indian National League INLD: Indian National Lok Dal INLP: Indian National Labour Party INP: Indian National Party INSF: Indian National Secular Front IPC: Indian People’s Congress IPF: Indian People’s Front IPI: Islamic Party of India IRF: Indian Republican Front ISC: Indian Secular Congress IUML: Indian Union Muslim League

IUML: Indian Union Muslim League JBP: Jai Bharat Party JCPB: Janata Congress Party of Bharatvarsha JD(S): Janata Dal (Secular) JD(U): Janata Dal (United) JD(A): Janata Dal (A) JD(D)R: Janata Dal (D) Rajasthan JD(P): Janata Dal (Pragatisheel) JEM: Jan Ekta Morcha JHM: Janhit Morcha JKAL: Jammu And Kashmir Awami League JKNC: Jammu & Kashmir National Conference JKNPP: Jammu & Kashmir National Panthers Party JKANC: Jammu & Kashmir Awami National Conference JKC: Janata Kranti Congress JKMP: Jawan Kisan Mazdur Party JKNPP: J & K National Panthers Party JKP: Jharkhand Party JKPDP: Jammu & Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party JKP(N): Jharkhand Party (Naren) JKPF: Jammu And Kashmir Peoples Front JKPP: Jharkhand People’s Party JLF: Jharkhand Liberation Front JMM: Jharkhand Mukti Morcha JMM(U): Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (Ulgulan) JN: Jananishta JNJMKP: Jai Naujawan Jai Mazdoor Kissan Party JNKM: Jan Kranti Morcha JPC: Jammu & Kashmir People Conference JPR: Jana Priya JPS: Jan Parishad JPSS: Janadhipathiya Samrekshna Samiti JSAP: Jan Satta Party JSMP: Jan Samanta Party JSP: Jan Sewa Party JSS: Jan Sevek Sanghathan JSWP: Jan Swarajya Party JTKM: Jatiya Kranti Manch JTP: Jai Telengana Party JVP: Janata Vikas Party KAADMK: Kanchee Aringer Anna Dravida Makkal Kazhagam KBP: Krantikari Berozgar Party KCVP: Kannada Chalavali Vatal Paksha KD: Kisan Desham KDC: Kamarajar Deseeya Congress KDP: Kannada Desha Party KEC: Kerala Congress KEC(M): Kerala Congress (M) KGP: Karnataka Ganaparishath KGS: Kanpur Grameen Sansthan KKD: Karnataka Kranthi Dal KM: Kalyan Morcha KMBP: Kisan Mazdoor Bahujan Party KMGR: Kisan Mazdoor Gaon Raj KMK: Kaivinayger Munnetra Kazhagam KMM: Krantikari Manuwadi Morcha KNA: Kuki National Assembly KP: Kannada Paksha KPR: Karnataka Pragatiranga KRD: Kranti Dal KRP: Kranti Parishad KRRS: Karnataka Rajya Ryota Sangha KRS: Kranti Sabha KSM: Krantikari Samajwadi Manch KSP: Kosal Party KSPL: Krantikari Samajwadi Party Lohia KTKD: Kisan Kranti Dal KTMK: Karnataka Thamizhar Munnetra Kazhagam KTVP: Karnataka Vikas Party KVMP: Kisan Vyawasayee Mazdoor Party KVP: Kisan Vikas Party KVSB: Kamjor Varg Sangh,Bihar LBP: Lok Bhalai Party LC: Lattin Congress LD: Lok Dal LFPP: Life Peaceful Party LHP: Lok Hit Party LJP: Lok Jan Shakti Party LJSP: Loktantrik Jan Samta Party LJSPI: Labour And Job Seeker’s Party of India LM: Lok Hit Morcha

LP: Lok Party LPI(V): Labour Party of India (V.V.Prasad) LPP: Lairam People Party LSAB: Lok Swarajya Abhiyan LSAN: Lok Swaraj Andholan LSP: Lok Seva Parishad LSS: Lok Swarajya Sangh LSWP: Loktantrik Samajwadi Party LVP: Labour Vikas Party MADMK: M.G.R.Anna D.M.Kazhagam MAG: Maharashtrawadi Gomantak MAP: Mahila Adhikar Party MB: Mukt Bharat MB(S)P: Mool Bharati (S) Party MBT: Majlis Bachao Tahreek MBVP: Matra Bhoomi Vikas Party MC(J): Maydhaavi Congress (J) MCO: Marxist Co-Ordination MCPI(S): Marxist Communist Party of India (S.S.Srivastava) MDF: Maraland Democratic Front MDMK: Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam MELPHC: Marxist Engelist Leninist Proletariat Health Commune MGRK: M.G.R. Kazhagam MGRM: M.G.R.Munnai MHPC: Manipur Hill People’s Council MJD: Mizoram Janata Dal MKSD: Manav Kalyan Sangh Dal MKVP: Mahakaushal Vikas Party MMK: M.G.R.Mannetra Kazhagam MMMK: M.G.R.Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam MMS: Mahabharath Mahajan Sabha MMUP: Muslim Majlis Uttar Pradesh MNF(D)C: Mizo National Front (Democrats)Chawanzuala MNK(PLP): Makkal Nalurimaik Kazhagam (People’s Liberal Party) MNPC: Manipur People’s Council MP: Manava Party MPP: Manipur Peoples Party MPKP: Maharashtra Pradesh Krantikari Party MPLP: Madhya Pradesh Loktantrik Party MPP(D): Manipur People’s Party (Democratic) MPPP: Meghalaya Progressive Peoples Party MRC: Maharashtra Rashtravadi Congress MRP: Maharashtra Republican Party MSE: Makkal Sakthi Eyakkam MSP: Manav Samaj Party MSWP: Manav Sewa Party MT: Marumalarchi Thamizhakam MUL: Muslim League Kerala State Committee MVC: Maharashtra Vikas Congress MVMK: Moovendar Munnetra Kazhagam MVP: Manav Vikas Party NCFD: National Confederation NCP: Nationalist Congress Party NCP(R): Navabharath Congress Party (R) NCY: National Congress of Youth NDM: Nationalist Democratic Movement NDP: National Democratic Party NDPF: National Democratic Peoples Front NINM: New India National Movement NIP: New India Party NJSP: Netaji Subhash Party NLP: National Loktantrik Party NLPP: Nagaland Peoples Party NMNP: Nidaye Malik (N) Party NMP: National Minorities Party NMVP: Nav Maharashtra Vikas Party NNLP: Naga National Party NNNS: Nava Nirmana Nagarika Samithi NOC: National Organisation Congress NP: National Party NPC: Nagaland People’s Council NPF: Nagaland Peoples Front NPI: Nationalist Party of India NPP: National People’s Party NRP: National Republican Party NSBP: Netaji Subhas Biplabi Parishad NSP: National Students Party NVAS: Nag Vidarbha Andolan Samiti NVPP: Native People’s Party NYP: Nayee Party OJM: Odisha Jan Morcha

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ABBREVIATIONS AND FULL FORMS OF POLITICAL PARTIES OMM: Orissa Mukti Morcha OCG: Orissa Congress OCP: Orissa Communist Party OKKKGP: Orissa Khandayat Khetriya Krusak Gana Parishad OSP: Orissa Socialist Party OVP: Orissa Vikash Parishad PBRML: Paschim Banga Rajya Muslim League PDF: People’s Democratic Front PDI: Peoples Democracy of India PDLI: Peoples Democratic League of India PDP: Peoples Democratic Party PHJP(S): Progressive Hul Jharkhand Party (Shibu Group) PHK: Pavitra Hindustan Kaazhagam PJD: Punjabi Dal PJM: Punjab Janata Morcha PJP: People’s Justice Party PJPP: Punjab People’s Party PKD: Punjab Kairon Dal PM: Panchal Morcha PMK: Pattali Makkal Katchi PMMM: Pondicherry Mannila Makkal Munnani PMSP: Pragatisheel Manav Samaj Party PP: Praja Party PPA: People’s Party of Arunachal PPI: People’s Party of India PPNMS: Political Party of National Management Service PPOI: Pyramid Party of India PPP: Parvatiya Punrutthaan Parishad PPVP: Punjab Pradesh Vikas Party PRC: Poorvanchal Rashtriya Congress PRISM: Prism PRP: Panchayat Raj Party PSJP: Parivartan Samaj Party PSP: Pragatisheel Party PSP(K): Praja Socialist Party (Kerala) PSPP: People’s Party of Prants PSS: Pratap Shiv Sena PSSS: Proutist Sarva Samaj Samiti PT: Puthiya Tamilagam PTCA: Plains Tribals Council of Assam PUPSP: Paschimi Uttar Pradesh Swaraja Party PVP(P): Punjab Vikas Party (Punjab) PVSP: Pichhadavarg Samaj Party PWPI: Peasants And Workers Party of India QED: Quami Ekta Dal QJD: Quami Janta Dal QM: Quami Morcha QP: Quami Party RAD: Rashtriya Agraniye Dal RADP: Rashtriya Deshaj Party RAJSP: Rashtriya Janadhikar Suraksha Party RAJUP: Rashtriya Janutthan Party RALOP: Rashtriya Lokwadi Party RALP: Rashtrawadi Labour Party RAPD: Rashtriya Apna Dal RASAP: Rashtriya Sahara Party RASD: Rashtravadi Aarthik Swatantrata Dal RASJP: Rashtriya Janhit Party RBC: Republican Backward Congress RBCP: Rashtriya Bahujan Congress Party RBD: Rashtra Bhakt Dal RBHP: Rashtriya Bahujan Hitay Party RBS: Republican Bahujan Sena RC(BJ): Rashtriya Congress (Babu Jagjivanram) RCHP: Rani Chennamma Party RCP: Rashtravadi Communist Party RCPI(R): Revolutionary Communist Party of India (Rasik Bhatt) RDHP: Rajyadhikara Party RDMP: Rashtriya Dehat Morcha Party RDSD: Rajasthan Dev Sena Dal RGOP: Rashtriya Gondvana Party RIM: Rashtriya Independent Morcha RJAP: Rashtriya Janadhikar Party RJD: Rashtriya Janata Dal RJJM: Rashtriya Jan-Jagran Morcha RJMO: Rashtriya Jan Morcha RJNP: Rashtriya Janasachetan Party (R.J.P.) RJP: Rashtriya Janta Party RJPK: Rashtriya Janwadi Party (Krantikari) RJPP: Rashtriya Janpriya Party RJSD: Rashtriya Jan Sahay Dal RJVP: Rajasthan Vikas Party RKJP: Rashtriya Krantikari Janata Party

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RKSP: Rashtriya Krantikari Samajwadi Party RLD: Rashtriya Lok Dal RLP: Rashtriya Lokhit Party RLSP: Rashtriya Lok Samata Party RMEP: Rashtriya Mazdoor Ekta Party RMGLMP: Rashtriya Mangalam Party RMGP: Rashtriya Mahan Gantantra Party RMP: Rashtriya Morcha Party RMSP: Rashtriya Machhua Samaj Party RND: Rashtriya Naujawan Dal RNSP: Rajya Nojawan Shakti Party RP(K): Republican Paksha (Khoripa) RPC(S): Rashtriya Praja Congress (Secular) RPD: Rashtriya Parivartan Dal RPI: Republican Party of India RPI(A): Republican Party of India (A) RPI(D): Republican Party of India (Democratic ) RPI(KH): Republican Party of India (Khobragade) RPIE: Republician Party of India Ektawadi RPP: Rashtriya Pragati Party RPPI: Republican Presidium Party of India RRD: Rashtriya Raksha Dal RRS: Rayalaseema Rashtra Samithi RSBP: Rashtriya Swabhimaan Party RSD: Rashtriya Sawarn Dal RSMD: Rashtriya Samanta Dal RSP: Revolutionary Socialist Party RSP: Rashtriya Samaj Paksha RSP(B): Revolutionary Socialist Party of Kerala (Bolshevik) RSP(S): Rastriya Samajwadi Party (Secular) RSSDP: Rashtriya Sant Sandesh Party RSUPRP: Rashtriya Surya Prakash Party RSWD: Rashtra Sewa Dal RTKP: Rashtriya Kranti Party RUC: Rashtriya Ulama Council RVLP: Rashtriya Viklang Party RVNP: Rashtravadi Janata Party RVP: Rashtriya Vikas Party RWS: Rashtrawadi Sena RWSP: Rashtrawadi Samaj Party RYS: Rashtriya Yuva Sangh SAD: Shiromani Akali Dal SAD(M): Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar)(Sim SAD(M): Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar)(Simranjit Singh Mann) SAMO: Samruddha Odisha SAMSP: Samata Samadhan Party SAP: Samata Party SBSP: Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party SDF: Sikkim Democratic Front SDPI: Social Democratic Party of India SGF: Save Goa Front SGPP: Sikkim Gorkha Prajatantric Party SHRP: Sikkim Himali Rajya Parishad Par SHS: Shivsena SJ(D): Socialist Janata (Democratic) SJEP: Sikkim Jan-Ekta Party SJP(R): Samajwadi Janata Party (Rashtriya) SJTP: Samajik Jantantrik Party SKD: Samata Kranti Dal SKM: Sikkim Krantikari Morcha SKP: Sarvodaya Karnataka Paksha SLP(I): Socialist Party (India) SLP(L): Socialist Party (Lohia) SLWP: Socialist Workers Party SMBHP: Smast Bhartiya Party SP: Samajwadi Party SP(I): Socialist Party (India) SPA: Social Action Party SRJP: Sarva Janata Party SRP: Socialist Republican Party SSBD: Shakti Sena (Bharat Desh) SSD: Sanyukt Samajwadi Dal SSD: Shoshit Samaj Dal SSKD: Sarva Samaj Kalyan Party SSPD: Sarvajan Samaj Party (D) STBP: Swatantra Bharat Paksha STPI: Samajtantric Party of India SUCI(C): Socialist Unity Centre of India (Communist) SUSP: Sunder Samaj Party SVPP: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Party SVRP: Shivrajya Party SVSP: Savarn Samaj Party SWJP: Samajwadi Jan Parishad SWP: Swabhimani Paksha

SWPI: Swarajya Party Of India TDP: Telugu Desam TMC: Trina Mool Congress TPGC: Tripura Pragatishil Gramin Congress TPPP: Trilinga Praja Pragati Party TRS: Telangana Rashtra Samithi TDI: Tamilar Desiya Iyyakkam TDK: Tamil Desiyak Katchi TGIR: The Great India’ Revolutioners TGPP: Telangana Praja Party THMM: Tharasu Makkal Mandram THPI: The Humanist Party of India TKD: Tarai Kranti Dal TLK: Tamilar Kazhagam TMK: Thayaka Marumalarchi Kazhagam TNDGTC: Tamil Nadu Deseeya Grameeya Thozhilalar Congress TNHVYK: Tamil Nadu Hindu Vellalar Youth Kazhagam TNKMI: Tamil Nadu Kamaraj Makkal Iyakkam TNMC: Tamil Nadu Makkal Congress TNPP: Tamil Nadu People’s Party TNPWA: Tamil Nadu People’s Welfare Association TNPWP: Tamil Nadu Peasants & Workers Party TPP: Tribal Prople Party TRC: Tamizhaga Rajiv Congress TRMRPPI: The Religion of Man Revolving Political Party of India TTNSIUML: The Tamil Nadu State Indian Union Muslim League TZMM: Tamizhaga Munnetra Munnani TZP: Tamizhar Party UDF: United Democratic Front UDFP: United Democratic Front Progressive UDP: United Democratic Party UFN: United Front of Nagaland UGDP: United Goans Democratic Party UKKD: Uttarakhand Kranti Dal UMK: Ulzaipali Makkal Katchy UNLP: United National Loktantrik Party UPRP: Uttar Pradesh Republican Party UWF: United Women Front UBNLF: United Bodo Nationalist Liberation Front UCP: United Citizens Party UCPI: United Communist Party of India UIDC: United Indian Democratic Council UIPP: United India Peoples Party UKD: Uttarkhand Party UKKD: Uttarakhand Kranti Dal UPJMP: Uttar Pradesh Jan Manas Party UPPA: United Peoples Party of Assam UPRP: Uttar Pradesh Republican Party UPVM: Uttar Pradesh Vikas Manch URMCA: United Reservation Movement Council of Assam URP: United Republican Party USP: Uttarakhand Sanskriti Parishad UTNLF: United Tribal Nationalists Liberation Front VAJP: Vanchit Jamat Party VCK: Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi VHS: Vishva Hindustani Sangathan VIP: Vanchitsamaj Insaaf Party VJCP: Vichara Jagruthi Congress Paksha VP: Vikas Party VSP: Vishva Shakti Party VVS: Vishwa Vikas Sangh VAK: Vivasayi Anbhu Katchi VBP: Vishal Bharat Party VCP: Vikaswadi Communism Party VHP: Vishal Haryana Party VJP: Vijeta Party VLP: Vokkaligara Parishat VPP: Vidarbha Praja Party VRMM: Vidharabha Rajya Mukti Morcha WPOI: Welfare Party of India WBSP(M): West Bengal Socialist Party (S.N.J. Mirza) WOPF: West Orissa Peoples Front WPI: Workers Party of India YDP: Yuva Desham Party YFE: Youth For Equality YJM: Yatharthawadi Jan Morcha YSP: Youth And Students Party YSRCP: Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party YVP: Yuva Vikas Party COURTESY WWW.ELECTIONS.IN

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