question_answer

Describe the forms of relationship between Pressure Groups and Political Parties.

Answer:

The relationship between pressure groups and political parties can take different forms like:

Direct ways            Indirect Ways

 

(i) Pressure groups formed by Political Parties: 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.

(ii) Political parties evolve from Pressure Groups: Sometimes political parties grow out of movements or pressure groups. For example, when the Assam movement led by students against the 'foreigners' came to an end, it led to the formation of the Assam Gana Parished.

The roots of parties like the DMK and the AIADMK in Tamil Nadu can be traced to a long drawn social reform movement during the 1930s and 1940s.

Indirect relations:

(i) Pressure Groups and Political Parties opposed to each other: in most cases the relationship between parties and interest or pressure groups is not so direct. They often take positions that are opposed to each other.