The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is one of the two major political parties in India, the other being the Indian National Congress. Established in 1980, the BJP traces its roots back to the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, which was founded in 1951 by Syama Prasad Mookerjee. The ideology of the BJP is centered around the concept of "Hindutva" or Indian cultural nationalism, advocating for the preservation and propagation of the Hindu cultural identity. Over the decades, the BJP has grown significantly in influence, shaping its strategy around both nationalistic themes and development-focused governance.
Under the leadership of prominent figures such as Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L.K. Advani, and more recently, Narendra Modi, the BJP has positioned itself as a key player in Indian politics. The party first came to national prominence in the late 1980s, through its support for the RamJanmabhoomi movement, which sought to build a temple dedicated to Lord Ram at the site of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya. This movement played a pivotal role in galvanizing Hindu sentiments and expanding the party's base. The BJP formed its first major central government in 1998, under the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, marking a significant shift in Indian politics towards right-wing ideologies.
Economically, the BJP promotes neoliberal policies, emphasizing privatization, high economic growth, and minimal government intervention in the economy. Since Narendra Modi's election as Prime Minister in 2014, the BJP has implemented several high-profile policies intended to stimulate the economy and improve administrative efficiency. Notable initiatives include the MakeInIndia campaign to turn India into a global manufacturing hub, the controversial demonetization of high-value currency notes in 2016, and the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2017. These economic policies reflect the party's commitment to reshaping India's economic landscape.
On the social front, the BJP's tenure has seen significant controversies, particularly concerning issues of religious and social diversity. Critics accuse the party of promoting a majoritarian agenda, at times marginalizing religious and ethnic minorities. Policies and rhetoric from some party members and affiliates have been criticized for increasing social divisions. However, supporters argue that the BJP's policies strengthen national unity and identity. As India continues to evolve as a global power, the role of the BJP in shaping the country's future, both economically and socially, remains a subject of intense discussion and debate.
IndianPolitics Hindutva EconomicReform CulturalNationalism BJPLeadership