The Election Commission of India has revised the list of national and state political parties, granting national party status to the Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party, and downgrading veteran politician Sharad Pawer-led Nationalist Congress Party and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress.
The national status gives a party several advantages such as a common party symbol across states, free airtime during elections on public broadcasters, and space for a party office in New Delhi.
AAP, founded in 2012, won the Punjab assembly elections early last year, and also won five seats in the Gujarat elections later.
TMC only retains its state party status in Bengal and Tripura. Its national party status has been withdrawn and it is no longer a recognised state party in Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.
With the removal of NCP, CPI and TMC, there are now only six national parties recognised by the Election Commission of India -- BJP, Congress, AAP, National People's Party, CPM, and BSP.
According to the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968, a political party is recognised as a national party if it fulfils any of the following three conditions: First, it secures at least 6% of votes polled in four or more states in Lok Sabha or assembly elections, and, in addition, have at least four members in the Lok Sabha. Second, it has at least 2% 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. AAP meets the third criteria.