There are various reasons why a political party fights elections. One of them is in people’s interest. While the other is for its own interest. Similarly, when political parties want a national status they will contest elections in the unlikeliest places. Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), the alliance partner of BJP in the central government seems to be working on a similar strategy.
“LJP intends to spread its wings in Goa. The decision will be taken only after the meeting to be held on September 23,” party President, Ram Vilas Paswan said. (Source: Navhind Times)
Ram Vilas Paswan is the Union Minister of Food and Public Distribution. In 2014 general elections, LJP had won six Lok Sabha seats in Bihar. While in the 2015 assembly, it had won two seats. It is clear, if the party fights assembly elections in Goa, it would merely get a national status.
Requirements for a political party to get national status :
* The party has won 2 per cent of seats in the Lok Sabha (11 seats) from at least three different states in the latest general election.
* In an election to the Lok Sabha or Legislative Assembly, the party has polled 6 per cent of the total valid votes in at least four states, in addition to winning four Lok Sabha seats.
* A party has got recognition as a state party in at least four states.
(Source: The Indian Express)
