By fulfilling which of the following conditions can a political party claim the status of a national party ? 1. It secures at least six per cent (6%) of the valid votes polled in any four or more states, at a general election to the House of the People or, to the State Legislative Assembly 2. It wins at least four seats in the House of the People from any State or States or wins at least two per cent (2%) seats in the House of the People (i.e., 11 seats in the existing House having 543 members), and these members are elected from at least three different States 3. The party in question has got recognition as a state party in at least two states 4. It must have its headquarters in New Delhi Select the correct answer using the code given below :

The correct answer is C, 1 and 2 only. The Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968 sets the conditions in statements 1 and 2, while statements 3 and 4 misstate or invent conditions. Under the Order, the Election Commission recognises a party as a national party if it meets any one of three tests: it polls at least 6 per cent of the valid votes in four or more states at a Lok Sabha or assembly election and also wins at least four Lok Sabha seats; or it wins at least 2 per cent of Lok Sabha seats, that is 11 of 543, from at least three states; or it is recognised as a state party in at least four states. A recognised national party gets a reserved symbol across India and free broadcast time. Option A is wrong because it includes statement 3, which says two states instead of four. Option B is wrong because it includes statement 4; no rule asks for a headquarters in New Delhi. Option D is wrong because it includes both statements 3 and 4. Exam tip: national party = state party in four states, or 2 per cent of Lok Sabha seats from three states, or 6 per cent votes in four states plus four seats.