The Karnataka High Court has instructed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to decide the representation by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) seeking the status of ‘national party’ on or before April 13.
The directions were passed by Justice M Nagaprasanna after AAP moved to the High Court stating that it was not getting the due reply by ECI on its representation seeking national party status.
At present, AAP has government in two States, Delhi and Punjab along with securing about 6% vote share in Goa and Gujarat assembly elections.
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.
On December 19, 2022, a representation was put forward by AAP to the ECI for considering it a national party for the upcoming Karnataka assembly election. It also sent reminders on February 6, March 8, March 15.
The party moved the High Court as the representation is still pending consideration
Legislative assembly elections are scheduled to be held in Karnataka on May 10, 2023.