India: Party Politics
DIGITAL ASSIGNMENT
Pragya | Political Science | 21BCL0255
Introduction-
India is the largest democracy in the world and has a multi-party political system.
This means that many different political parties compete in elections to form the
government. Over time, party politics in India has changed a lot, influenced by the
country's diversity in terms of religion, language, caste, and region.
History of Politics in India-
India's political system originated with the fight for independence from British
domination. In this conflict, the Indian National Congress (INC), which was
founded in 1885, took the lead. Following India's 1947 declaration of independence,
the Congress Party rose to prominence and dominated the nation for a
considerable amount of time. The first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru,
oversaw the Congress Party and influenced foreign policy, education, and
economics.
But as time went on, other parties began to contest the Congress Party's
hegemony. Following the declaration of emergency by Prime Minister Indira
Gandhi in 1975–1977, a number of opposition groups united to establish the Janata
Party, which went on to defeat the Congress in the 1977 elections. This
demonstrated that the Congress was not invincible, which was a significant
turning point in Indian politics.
The Decline of the The Rise of the Role of Regional and
Congress Party- Bharatiya Janata Caste-Based Parties-
The Congress Party Party (BJP)- These parties focus
has seen a Currently, one of on specific issues
downturn while the the most significant affecting their
BJP has become political parties in regions or
more powerful. The India is the communities. For
Congress Party, Bharatiya Janata example, the
which has been in Party (BJP). It was Dravida Munnetra
power for a long founded in 1980 as Kazhagam (DMK)
time, has had the Bharatiya Jana and All India Anna
trouble winning Sangh, a tiny Dravida Munnetra
over voters, political Kazhagam
particularly in the organization at the (AIADMK) are
wake of scandals time. In order to powerful in Tamil
involving represent the Hindu Nadu, a southern
corruption and majority in India, state.
problems with the BJP espouses a PAGE 1
leadership. Hindu nationalist
philosophy.
Challenges in Indian Party Politics-
Indian politics is confronted with a number of difficulties. Divides based on caste
and religion are among the primary problems. Muslims in particular are worried
about their safety and rights as a result of the BJP's development of Hindu
nationalism. Politicians frequently focus on winning over members of specific
caste groups, a practice known as "caste-based politics," which can cause rifts in
society.
Dynastic politics, in which political authority is passed down within families, is
another issue. In particular, this applies to the Congress Party, whose leadership
has frequently remained in the Nehru-Gandhi family. This system is sometimes
criticized for limiting the chances available to aspiring leaders.
Conclusion-
India’s party politics is dynamic and ever-changing. While the Congress Party once
dominated, the rise of the BJP has shifted the balance of power in recent years. At
the same time, regional and caste-based parties continue to play an important role
in shaping the political landscape. Although there are challenges such as religious
and caste divisions, as well as dynastic politics, India’s multi-party system ensures
that a variety of voices are heard in its democracy.
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