Election Commission to now see National and States status of political parties every 10years

1. News: Election Commission has amended Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968
2. Review: EC will now review the national and state party status of political parties every 2 consecutive Lok Sabha or assembly elections instead of one
3. However, the criteria of being recognised as a national and state party will remain unchanged
4. Why? To ensure that ruling parties do not lose their status due to anti-incumbency factor after every election
5. At present, BSP, BJP, Indian National Congress, NCP, CPI and CPI(M) are the six recognised national political parties & 64 recognised state parties in India