National Parties

In India, national political parties play a significant role in shaping the democratic process, legislative agenda, and public discourse. Their ideologies and social bases are complex, evolving over time in response to socio-political changes, regional dynamics, and national challenges. These parties are characterized by their pan-Indian presence, recognition by the Election Commission of India (ECI) as national entities, and their attempt to appeal across regional, linguistic, and cultural divides. Understanding the ideological orientations and social foundations of these parties is essential to grasp the nature of Indian democracy.

The Ideological and Social Character of National Political Parties in India

At present, the major national political parties in India include the Indian National Congress (INC), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India (Marxist) – CPI(M), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), National People’s Party (NPP), and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Each of these parties possesses a distinct ideological orientation and draws support from specific social groups, even as they attempt to broaden their appeal to a larger national constituency.

Indian National Congress (INC)

The Indian National Congress (INC) is one of the oldest political parties in India, having played a central role in the freedom struggle against British colonialism. Ideologically, the Congress Party espouses centrism, emphasizing a secular, democratic, and inclusive framework. Historically, it has promoted welfare-oriented policies, social justice, and economic planning, while maintaining a commitment to parliamentary democracy.

The social base of the INC has been extremely broad, encompassing upper castes, Dalits, minorities (particularly Muslims and Christians), tribal communities, and the urban middle class. During the post-independence period, Congress operated as a catch-all party, representing diverse sections of society. Its emphasis on secularism allowed it to appeal to minority communities, while its agrarian and industrial policies earned the support of both rural peasants and urban workers.

However, over the years, its social base has eroded due to the rise of regional and identity-based parties, allegations of corruption, and a perceived failure to respond to grassroots concerns. Despite this, the Congress remains a significant force in Indian politics, particularly in states where regional alternatives are weak.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged in the 1980s as a restructured form of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, founded by Syama Prasad Mukherjee in 1951. The BJP is ideologically rooted in Hindutva, a form of cultural nationalism that seeks to define Indian identity through the lens of Hindu civilization and heritage. The party advocates for economic liberalism, strong national defense, good governance, and a unitary national identity.

The ideological core of the BJP is heavily influenced by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist organization that emphasizes cultural revivalism and discipline. While the BJP promotes itself as a party of development and progress, its critics argue that its majoritarian tendencies undermine India’s secular and pluralistic traditions.

Socially, the BJP’s primary support has traditionally come from the upper castes, urban middle classes, and traders, especially in northern and western India. Over time, the party has expanded its social base to include Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Scheduled Castes, and even sections of the Scheduled Tribes, particularly through welfare schemes and targeted outreach campaigns. The BJP’s emphasis on national security, cultural pride, and anti-elitist rhetoric resonates strongly with youth, first-time voters, and segments of the rural poor.