Rise and Fall of Political Parties in India (1989-2019): Examining the BJP and the Indian National Congress
Author: Saqib Nawaz*, Tabasum Rasool
Post Graduate Student, Dept. of Political Science, University of Kashmir, Srinagar.
Published Date: 2024-02-29
GoogleScholar: Click here
Keywords: Indian National Congress (INC), Bharatiya Janta Party(BJP), Political evolution, Leadership dynamics, Electoral shifts.
Abstract:
This paper examines the historical evolution and political dynamics of the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in India, highlighting the factors that contributed to the decline of the INC and the rise of the BJP from 1989 to 2019. The INC, formed in 1885, played a crucial role in India's struggle for independence and dominated Indian politics in the decades following independence, leading to an era known as the "Congress System." However, the party's influence began to wane after the death of Jawaharlal Nehru in 1964 due to several factors including leadership challenges, corruption scandals, policy failures, and the rise of regional parties. Internal factionalism and outdated communication strategies further weakened the INC's appeal. In contrast, the BJP, established in 1980, gained prominence by focusing on Hindu nationalist rhetoric, economic liberalization, and effective use of modern communication tools. Under leaders like L.K. Advani, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Narendra Modi, the BJP successfully mobilized support across the country. The party's emphasis on national security and welfare programs such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Jan Dhan Yojana further boosted its popularity. The BJP's decisive victories in the 2014 and 2019 general elections solidified its position as the dominant political force in India. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the factors driving these political shifts and offers insights into the evolving nature of Indian politics, emphasizing the importance of leadership, ideological clarity, and adaptability in achieving electoral success.
