National Parties: Ideology and Social Basis of Political Parties in India

Learning Outcomes:

1. Understand the ideological basis of national political parties in India.
2. Analyze the social foundations that support various national parties.
3. Comprehend how national parties shape political processes in India.
4. Evaluate the impact of national parties on democracy and governance.

National parties in India play a pivotal role in the political landscape, where their ideological positions and social support bases guide political processes. They form the backbone of governance, policies, and democratic representation. By delving into their ideologies and examining their social basis, one can better understand their influence on India’s political process.

The Concept of National Parties in India

A national party is a political entity recognized by the Election Commission of India based on specific criteria that reflect its electoral strength and influence across multiple states. This classification separates national parties from state parties, which hold sway primarily in regional contexts.

Important Note: A political party is designated as a national party if it secures 6% of valid votes in at least four states in general elections or wins 2% of seats in the Lok Sabha from at least three states.

The national character of such parties allows them to compete in elections across states, unifying their policies at a central level. Each national party in India aligns with a distinctive ideology, representing different sections of society.

Ideologies of National Parties

National parties in India follow distinct ideological pathways, guiding their policies, campaigns, and approaches toward governance. These ideological frameworks serve as lenses through which political actions and decisions are filtered.

1. Indian National Congress (INC): The Congress is historically rooted in the ideals of secularism and social democracy. It believes in the unity of diverse religious, ethnic, and cultural groups. Congress emphasizes welfare programs, inclusive growth, and the protection of democratic institutions. Its ideology is a blend of liberalism and social justice, focusing on poverty alleviation and equality.

2. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): The BJP subscribes to the ideology of Hindutva, which seeks to promote Indian cultural values associated with Hindu traditions. It advocates economic liberalism, nationalism, and the promotion of indigenous industries. The BJP’s political philosophy combines economic reform, cultural pride, and security concerns, stressing strong governance and market-based solutions.

3. Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M): The CPI-M follows a Marxist-Leninist ideology, advocating for a socialist economy. It seeks to establish a classless society through public ownership of key industries and worker empowerment. The CPI-M emphasizes land reforms, labour rights, and anti-imperialism, and opposes neoliberal economic policies.

4. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP): The BSP is grounded in the ideology of Ambedkarite social justice, focusing on the rights of the Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and religious minorities. It opposes caste-based discrimination and seeks to uplift marginalized sections through reservations and social empowerment programs. The BSP is driven by identity politics, representing Dalit interests.

5. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP): The NCP was formed as a split from the Congress, retaining a centrist ideology with a focus on secularism and democratic socialism. It believes in grassroots democracy, decentralized governance, and regional autonomy. The NCP promotes economic equity, particularly for rural and agricultural communities, while embracing federalism.

Social Bases of National Parties

National parties in India derive their strength from diverse social constituencies. The social basis of political parties is critical in understanding their electoral success, policy decisions, and the coalitions they form.

1. Indian National Congress (INC): The Congress enjoys support from a wide cross-section of society, particularly rural voters, minorities (Muslims, Christians, Sikhs), and the middle class. Historically, it has drawn support from land-owning classes and business communities, although these bases have shifted. In recent times, it has strengthened its outreach toward Dalits and tribal communities, promising social welfare and inclusive development.

2. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): The BJP has a core base among upper-caste Hindus, particularly from the urban middle class and business elites. The party also resonates strongly with small traders, urban professionals, and segments of the working class through its nationalist rhetoric. In the last two decades, the BJP has successfully expanded its reach to OBCs and Dalits, partly through welfare programs and leadership from these communities.

3. Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M): The CPI-M traditionally represents the working class, particularly industrial workers, small farmers, and landless labourers. Its strength lies in states with a historical leftist orientation, such as Kerala and West Bengal. The party emphasizes building alliances with trade unions and farmer organizations.

4. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP): The BSP primarily represents the Dalit population, particularly the Scheduled Castes, who have been historically marginalized. Its political base is in Uttar Pradesh, although it has expanded its reach to other states. The BSP also attracts tribal communities, OBCs, and Muslims, advocating policies aimed at social justice and caste emancipation.

5. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP): The NCP garners support from rural and agricultural communities, particularly in Maharashtra. Its base includes farmers, middle peasants, and cooperative movements. The NCP often appeals to regional sentiments, supporting state autonomy and federalism.

National Parties and Political Processes in India

National parties serve as critical agents in India’s political processes, shaping the course of elections, governance, and legislative functions. Their influence is felt across the country’s institutional and policy-making apparatus.

1. Electoral Process: National parties compete in general elections, shaping the national government. They dominate the Lok Sabha, the lower house of India’s parliament, and form governments based on majority representation. National parties often engage in coalition politics, forging alliances with regional parties to gain a majority.

2. Legislative Process: National parties influence the legislative process through their presence in both houses of Parliament—the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. Their ability to push through or block legislation depends on their numbers. Parties such as the BJP and Congress play a key role in shaping bills on economic reform, foreign policy, and social welfare.

3. Policy Formation: Ideological leanings of national parties heavily influence the formulation of national policies. The Congress, with its focus on social welfare, emphasizes schemes for the poor and marginalized, while the BJP leans toward market reforms and privatization. The CPI-M, on the other hand, advocates for state control over industries and socialistic policies.

4. Democratic Stability: National parties are instrumental in ensuring the stability of India’s democracy. The alternation of power between parties like the BJP and Congress reflects the resilience of democratic processes. National parties provide a platform for citizen participation, allowing diverse communities to find representation in governance.

5. Regional Balancing: National parties also play a role in balancing regional aspirations with national interests. Through coalition-building, they integrate regional parties into national governance, ensuring that local interests are reflected in central policies. This helps maintain the federal structure of the Indian polity.

Process Flow: Ideology → Party Support Base → Electoral Success → Policy Formulation → National Governance

Comparative Analysis of Major National Parties

Important Note: The evolution of national parties in India has led to increased competition between ideologically diverse entities, influencing both regional and national politics.

MCQ: Which party is primarily associated with the ideology of Hindutva?

1. Indian National Congress
2. Communist Party of India (Marxist)
3. Bharatiya Janata Party
4. Bahujan Samaj Party
   Correct Answer: 3