The correct option is 1 and 3 only.
Explanation
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is responsible for the registration of political parties and granting them recognition (as National or State parties) based on their electoral performance. This classification determines the privileges and facilities extended to them.
Statement 1 is Correct:
The Election Commission of India registers political parties for the purpose of elections. Under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, any association or body of individual citizens of India calling itself a political party must register with the ECI.
Statement 2 is Incorrect:
The Commission does not treat all registered parties equally regarding privileges. It creates a distinction between "recognized" parties (National or State) and "unrecognized" registered parties. Recognized parties are granted specific privileges that are not available to parties that are merely registered but not recognized.
Statement 3 is Correct:
The Commission offers special facilities to large and established parties that achieve "recognized" status. These facilities include the allocation of a unique election symbol reserved exclusively for the party, free airtime on public broadcasters (Doordarshan and All India Radio) during elections, and the supply of electoral rolls.
Key Takeaway:
While registration with the ECI is mandatory for all political parties, "recognition" is a status granted only to parties meeting specific performance criteria, conferring upon them exclusive benefits like reserved symbols and a higher limit of Star Campaigners.