Question

describe the forms of relationship between pressure groups and political parties?

Answer 1

Political parties have their own constitution and are recognised by the Election Commission of India before they fight elections for panchayats, municipalities, state legislature and the parliament. Once members are elected to these bodies, they function under the constitution of India. Majority parties or groups form the boards or government in these bodies.

Pressure groups or lobbies are blocs of elected members who function under the basic guidelines of the political parties or groups they represent, but as blocs of certain number of members represent specific or multiple interests without violating their party’s interests or alliance’s interests. The interests of the pressure groups could be as varied as industrial interests, women’s welfare, a particular state’s interests and so on.

 

Answer 2

Answer:

The various forms of relationship between political parties and pressure groups can be mentioned as follows:

• In some instances, the pressure groups are either formed or led by the leaders of political parties or act as extended arms of political parties. For example, most trade unions and students’ organisations in India are either established by, or affiliated to one or the other major political party.

• Sometimes political parties grow out of movements. For example, parties like the DMK and the AIADMK in Tamil Nadu formed out of the social reform movements during the 1930s and 1940s.

• In most cases, political parties and pressure groups have an indirect relationship, where negotiations and dialogues take place between them regarding various social and political issues.