With elections in Karnataka approaching, the Aam Admi Party (AAP) has filed a petition in the state high court seeking recognition as a national party. The poll body has been asked to decide by April 13.
The petition which was filed by AAP Karnataka convenor Prithvi Reddy, states that the party has been denied the status by the Election Commission of India (ECI) despite fulfilling all the criteria for becoming a national party.
According to a report by Bar and Bench, as per Section 6(b) of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Orders of 1968, any party with over 6% vote share in more than four states should be declared a national party.
The party has formed government in two States, Delhi and Punjab and secured over 6% vote share in Goa and Gujarat assembly elections, the report said.
AAP first made a representation to the ECI on December 19, 2022 to consider it as a national party for the upcoming Karnataka assembly election. Subsequently, it also sent reminders on February 6, March 8, March 15.
However, as the representation was still pending consideration, the party moved the High Court.
“Even a class 10 student would give you the answer if you ask whether the AAP should get national status or not as per rules,” AAP Rajya Sabha MP and national spokesperson Sanjay Singh earlier said at a press conference, adding, “I don't know what the Election Commission is doing”.
“I urge the Election Commission to immediately give AAP a national party status and also ensure that we get all facilities in Karnataka polls that any national party is entitled to,” Singh said.
Singh claimed that the Election Commission had assured him at an all-party meeting that a decision will be taken on AAP's request soon.
"At the meeting, I asked in the presence of the chief election commissioner when we will have national party status. He said a decision was going to be taken very soon and that AAP will be given national party status,” Singh claimed.
The AAP leader said the party has submitted a request for this to the poll panel even though it was not required.
(With inputs from PTI)
