36 Biradaris | 26 Sep 2024

Why in News?

Recently, as the Haryana Assembly elections approach, political parties frequently refer to the “36 biradaris” to signal their commitment to various caste groups.

Key Points

  • Meaning of Biradari:
    • Derived from the Persian word baradar, meaning "brotherhood" or "clan."
    • In North India, biradari is often synonymous with caste, though terms like kaum or jaat may also be used.
  • Origin of '36 Biradaris':
    • The phrase "36 biradaris" is not literal; it generally refers to various caste groups.
    • Historical sources, such as the Ajmer-Merwar Gazetteer and Lt. Col. James Todd’s writings, mention 36 dynasties or communities in medieval North India.
  • Social Role:
    • Biradaris are akin to extended families and play roles in marriages, caste disputes, and social identity.
    • The concept promotes unity and social security, especially in Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan.

National Party

  • About: As the name suggests, it has a nationwide presence as opposed to a regional party that is restricted to only a particular state or region.
    • A certain stature is sometimes associated with being a national party, but this does not necessarily translate into having a lot of national political influence.
  • Conditions for Declaring a Party ‘National’:
    • As per the ECI’s Political Parties and Election Symbols, 2019 handbook, a political party would be considered a national party if:
      • It is ‘recognised’ in four or more states
      • If its candidates have secured at least 6% of total valid votes in at least 4 states (in latest Lok Sabha or Assembly elections) and the party has at least 4 MPs in the last LS polls
      • If it has won at least 2% of the total seats in the LS from at least 3 states.

State Party

  • A party is recognised as a state party in a state if any of the following conditions is fulfilled:
    • If it secures 6% of the valid votes polled in the state at a general election to the respective state legislative assembly (state LA) and also, it wins 2 seats in the same state LA.
    • If it secures 6% of the total valid votes in the state at a general election to the LS; and also, it wins 1 seat in the LS from the same state.
    • If it wins 3% of seats in the LA at a general election to the legislative assembly of the state concerned or 3 seats in the assembly (whichever is more).
    • If it wins 1 seat in the LS for every 25 seats or any fraction thereof allotted to the state at a general election to the LS from the state concerned.
    • If it secures 8% of the total valid votes polled in the state at a General Election to the LS from the state or to the State LA.