The Evolution of Indian Politics: The Rise of BJP
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has emerged as one of India’s most dominant political forces. Its rise has been marked by ideological shifts, political strategies, and historical events that have shaped its identity. While the party officially came into existence in 1980, its roots can be traced back to earlier organizations and movements. This blog explores the transformation of BJP through different eras and highlights the key figures who transitioned from Congress to contribute to its formation.
Early BJP: The Foundations (1951–1980)
The BJP’s origins can be traced to the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS), founded in 1951 by Syama Prasad Mukherjee. Mukherjee, a former Congress leader, was disillusioned with the party’s approach to national security, particularly regarding Jammu and Kashmir. The BJS was backed by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and promoted a nationalist ideology that stood in contrast to Congress’s secular stance.
The BJS opposed Nehruvian socialism and worked towards the protection of Hindu identity. It remained a relatively small party but played a crucial role in shaping India’s political landscape. In the 1970s, under the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and L.K. Advani, the BJS aligned with the anti-Indira Gandhi movement during the Emergency (1975–77). After the Emergency, the BJS merged with other opposition parties to form the Janata Party, which briefly ruled India (1977–1980) before internal conflicts led to its collapse.
During the formation of the Janata Party, several Congress dissidents joined the movement, including Jagjivan Ram, Morarji Desai, and Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna. However, ideological differences, especially concerning the RSS’s influence, led to the disintegration of the Janata Party. This resulted in the formation of the Bharatiya Janata Party in 1980, marking a new phase in Indian politics.
Additionally, a significant portion of Congress (O), the breakaway faction of Congress, along with other Congress leaders who opposed Indira Gandhi’s policies, merged into BJS and later played a role in shaping BJP’s ideology and policies.
Actually, Indira Gandhi was expelled from Congress due to internal conflicts, and she went on to form her own party, Congress (R). This split led to the weakening of the original Congress, which eventually merged with BJS and other factions to form BJP. This means that the present-day Congress is not the original Congress, as the original Congress (O) merged with BJS to create what is now BJP.
Political Parties That Merged with BJS to Form BJP
The creation of BJP was not just the evolution of BJS but also the result of multiple political alignments. The Janata Party (which included former members of Congress and other opposition parties) split, with many leaders moving towards the formation of the BJP. Some of the key parties and groups that played a role in the formation of BJP include:
- Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS) – The ideological and organizational base of BJP.
- Swatantra Party – A right-wing liberal party that advocated free-market policies; some members aligned with BJP’s economic vision.
- Congress (O) – A breakaway faction of Congress that opposed Indira Gandhi’s socialist policies and later aligned with the Janata Party. A majority of its leaders later moved to BJS and then BJP.
- Janata Party – Formed from a coalition of opposition groups including the BJS, Congress (O), and Socialist Party. After its collapse, many leaders shifted to BJP.
- Hindu Mahasabha – While not officially merged, many of its members and ideological factions influenced the formation of BJS and later BJP.
Medieval BJP: Formation and Struggles (1980–1998)
Following the collapse of the Janata Party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was officially formed in 1980 under the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L.K. Advani, and Murli Manohar Joshi. The party sought to position itself as a right-wing nationalist alternative to Congress.
Initially, the BJP struggled to gain electoral traction, winning only two seats in the 1984 Lok Sabha elections. However, the 1990s proved to be a turning point with the rise of the Ayodhya Ram Janmabhoomi movement. The demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992 and the subsequent polarization of voters catapulted the BJP into the national spotlight.
By 1996, the BJP became the largest party in the Lok Sabha, though it lacked a clear majority. In 1998, it successfully formed a coalition government under Atal Bihari Vajpayee, marking its first successful tenure in power. Vajpayee’s leadership was characterized by economic reforms, nuclear tests, and improved international relations.
BJP’s Victory in the 2014 Elections
In 2014, BJP secured a massive victory in the Lok Sabha elections, winning 282 seats on its own and 336 seats with its NDA allies. This was the first time in three decades that a single party had gained a clear majority. The key factors behind this victory were:
- Narendra Modi’s Leadership: Projected as a strong and decisive leader with a development-oriented vision.
- Promises of Economic Growth: BJP promised job creation, infrastructure development, and economic reforms.
- Anti-Corruption Stand: The party capitalized on the scams during UPA rule, vowing to bring transparency and accountability.
- Social Media and Digital Outreach: BJP’s campaign strategy, led by Prashant Kishor, effectively utilized social media.
- Hindutva and Nationalism: Appealed to the sentiments of nationalist voters.
BJP’s Stronger Performance in 2019
BJP improved its performance in the 2019 elections, winning 303 seats on its own and 353 with allies. Key reasons for this success included:
- Balakot Airstrike & National Security: Projected as a strong response to terrorism.
- Welfare Schemes: Implementation of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, and Ayushman Bharat.
- Strong Leadership: Modi’s leadership and vision resonated with the masses.
- Weak Opposition: Congress failed to present a strong alternative.
- Religious and Cultural Mobilization: Consolidation of Hindu votes played a crucial role.
Why BJP Got Fewer Seats in 2024
BJP faced challenges in securing a larger mandate in 2024 due to several reasons:
- George Soros Foundation and Foreign Interference: Alleged external funding and campaigns against BJP.
- Fake Propaganda: Misinformation campaigns claiming BJP would remove democracy.
- Rise of Left-Wing Forces: Increased influence of left-leaning political groups.
- INDI Alliance: A strong coalition of opposition parties united against BJP.
- Coalition Challenges: BJP had to rely on allies like RJD, Pawan Kalyan, and Jagan Mohan Reddy for support.
BJP’s Legislative Challenges and Successes in 2024
Despite reduced seats, BJP managed to pass the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 and the Anti-Immigration Bill, but it took a year due to coalition constraints. After the passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) publicly opposed the amendments.
