Question

Which of the following is not a pressure group ?

• A. Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP)
• B. All India Trade Union Congress
• C. Indian National Congress
• D. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh

Hint:

The main litmus test to distinguish a political party from a pressure group is participation in elections. Political parties field candidates under their own symbol to win power. Pressure groups do not.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to differentiate between a pressure group and a political party. \[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{A pressure group is an organization that tries to influence government policies and public opinion but does not aim to capture political power itself.} \\ \bullet & \text{A political party is an organization that contests elections with the aim of forming a government and holding political power.} \\ \end{array}\]

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
\[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{ABVP is a student organization, AITUC is a trade union, and RSS is a socio-cultural organization. All three seek to influence government policies and are thus considered pressure groups.} \\ \bullet & \text{The Indian National Congress (INC) is one of the major political parties in India. It contests elections at the national and state levels to form governments.} \\ \end{array}\]

Step 3: Final Answer:
The Indian National Congress is a political party, not a pressure group.