Analysis of Internal Party Democracy of Indian National Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party and Asom Gana Parishad

Abstract

Intra-party democracy is an essential ingredient of good democratic practice of political parties. Since it ensures the participation of all members, it is essential for any political party of any democratic country to ensure intra-party democracy. It is because when a decision is taken by some on behalf of others, participatory democracy will lose its very essence. One of the most important ways to secure intra party democracy within political parties is the intra-party electoral systems and procures. Therefore, it is important to make the election process within parties inclusive, transparent and democratic. A democratic party should always believe in democratic principles while dealing with internal businesses of the party and therefore, should operate on the principle of social justice, gender equality and equity. This paper intends to throw a light on the understanding of the concepts of intra-party democracy and also on the process of intra-party democracy of two national Indian political parties and one regional political party of Assam.