The Election Commission of India on Friday granted recognition as a national party to the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) of Meghalaya.
The NPP, which is in an alliance with the BJP in the state, becomes the first party from the North East to get the national party status. It is a recognised party in four states of the region.
“The party has fulfilled the eligibility condition for being a recognised as a national party as laid down in paragraph 6B (iii) (the party is recognized as a state party in at least four states),” ECI secretary Pramod Kumar Sharma said in an order issued on Friday.
As per the party’s request, the symbol ‘book’ has been allotted to it, Kumar said.
Taking to Twitter, NPP chief and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said, “Glad to announce to our party supporters, well wishers and members of the party that #ElectionCommissionOfIndia has accorded “National Party” Status to National People’s Party @nppmeghalaya Thank you #Northeast for all your support. #BefittingTributeToPASangma #NPPForNortheast.”
Glad to announce to our party supporters, well-wishers and members of NPP that #ElectionCommissionOfIndia has accorded “National Party” Status to National People’s Party @nppmeghalaya Thank you #Northeast for all your support. #BefittingTributeToPASangma #NPPForNortheast pic.twitter.com/aNt8W2RVfU
— Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) June 7, 2019
“It is a very nostalgic moment for all of us that the party founded by Late Purno Agitok Sangma has achieved its due recognition. It is not just an achievement for NPP but for the people of #Northeast for their overwhelming support and trust bestowed on the party,” he added.
It is a very nostalgic moment for all of us that the party founded by Late Purno Agitok Sangma has achieved its due recognition. It is not just an achievement for NPP but for the people of #Northeast for their overwhelming support and thrust bestowed on the party. @nppmeghalaya
— Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) June 7, 2019
Although the NPP had its base in Manipur, former Lok Sabha speaker Purno Agitok Sangma expanded it when he took over in January 2013.
The NPP is leading a BJP-backed government in Meghalaya and supporting the ruling BJP in Manipur. It is also a part of the ruling NDA at the Centre.
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A notification issued by the Election Commission on March 15 lists seven national parties in India.
All India Trinamool Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), BSP, CPI, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Indian National Congress (INC) and NCP figured in that list.
According to the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968, a political party can be recognised as a national party if its candidates secure at least six per cent of votes polled in four or more states in Lok Sabha or assembly elections, and, in addition, it has at least four members in the Lok Sabha.
It also has to have at least two per cent of the total Lok Sabha seats and its candidates come from not less than three states. Third, it is recognised as a state party in at least four states.
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