Evaluate the differences between the national and regional parties and assess the requirements for a regional party to become a national party.
Important Questions on Political Parties
Read the passage carefully and answer the question below:
What did Kishenji mean by an alternative political formation? The question came up in a conversation between Sudha, Karuna, Shaheen and Gracy, four political activists leading successful political movements in four different nations. Kishenji was regarded as a political philosopher, moral guide, and friend by all four of them. Kishenji argued that: "Movements focused on a single issue are suitable if we wish to achieve limited changes in a particular aspect of life. But if we want to bring about a fundamental social transformation, we would need a political organization".
- Gracy felt that Kishenji never clarified what does he mean by an alternative political formation. She felt that political parties were obsolete instruments for social change.
- Sudha agreed with her and added that the moment one forms a political party they lose the goodwill of the people.
- Karuna added that a lot can be achieved by putting pressure on political parties rather than contesting directly in elections.
- Shaheen disagreed with all of them. He argued that Kishenji wanted all the people's movements to forge a new political party that is different from traditional, corrupt parties.
Kishenji is no more. What would be your advice to these four activists? Should they form a new political party? Can a political party become a moral force in politics? What should that party be like?
