Trends in the Party System: From the Congress System to the Ascendancy of Bharatiya

Janata Party

India’s political history since its independence in 1947 is marked by significant

transitions in its party system. These shifts reflect the changing social, economic, and
political realities of the country. From the dominance of the Indian National Congress
(INC) in the early decades to the rise of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as the
preeminent political force in the 21st century, the trends in the party system
encapsulate the evolution of India’s democracy. This detailed analysis explores the
major phases and trends that have characterized India’s political journey.

The Congress System: Era of Dominance (1947–1967)

1. Post-Independence Consolidation

The Congress Party was the leading force in India’s struggle for independence, and its
leadership naturally translated into dominance in post-independence politics. Under
Jawaharlal Nehru, the Congress became synonymous with the Indian state. Nehru’s
vision of a secular, socialist, and democratic India set the tone for the nation’s
governance.

2. Electoral Hegemony

The Congress decisively won the first three general elections (1952, 1957, and 1962).
These victories established its position as the central player in Indian politics. With its
ability to accommodate diverse interests—ranging from landlords and industrialists to
workers and peasants—the Congress operated as a broad-based party.

3. The ‘Congress System’

Political scientist Rajni Kothari described this period as the “Congress System,” where
the Congress Party acted as the pivot of India’s political framework. Opposition parties
existed but were marginal and fragmented, often functioning as pressure groups within
the system rather than as serious challengers.

4. Declining Stability Towards the End

By the mid-1960s, cracks began to appear in the Congress’s dominance. The death of
Nehru in 1964 and the economic challenges of food shortages, inflation, and
unemployment strained the party’s cohesion. The 1967 general elections marked the
beginning of a decline, as the Congress faced its first major electoral setbacks.

Fragmentation and Rise of Opposition (1967–1977)

1. The 1967 Elections: Breaking Congress’s Monopoly

The 1967 general elections were a turning point. Congress lost its majority in several key
states, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Tamil Nadu. Non-Congress coalitions,
comprising leftist, socialist, and regional parties, formed governments in these states.

2. Rise of Regional Parties

This period saw the emergence of strong regional parties such as the DMK in Tamil
Nadu, which focused on regional identity and linguistic pride. These parties began
challenging the Congress’s centralized authority and brought federalism into sharper
focus.

3. Indira Gandhi’s Consolidation of Power

Indira Gandhi, who became Prime Minister in 1966, sought to reassert Congress’s
dominance. She adopted populist policies, such as the nationalization of banks and the
abolition of privy purses for erstwhile princely states, to appeal to the masses. However,
her authoritarian tendencies and centralization of power alienated senior leaders,
leading to a split in the Congress in 1969.
The Emergency and the Janata Experiment (1975–1980)

1. The Emergency (1975–1977)

Indira Gandhi declared a state of Emergency in 1975, suspending civil liberties and
suppressing political dissent. This authoritarian phase eroded Congress’s democratic
credentials and united opposition forces against her.

2. Formation of the Janata Party

In the aftermath of the Emergency, opposition parties, including socialists, Jan Sangh
(the precursor to the BJP), and Congress defectors, came together under the banner of
the Janata Party.

3. The 1977 Elections: A Historic Defeat

The 1977 general elections resulted in a historic defeat for the Congress. The Janata
Party formed the government, marking the first non-Congress administration at the
national level. This victory signaled the potential of united opposition to challenge
Congress’s dominance.

4. Instability of the Janata Government

However, internal conflicts and ideological differences within the Janata Party led to its
collapse in 1979. This failure demonstrated the challenges of coalition politics and
paved the way for Congress’s return to power.

Congress Revival and the Transition to Multiparty Politics (1980–1989)

1. Return of Indira Gandhi

Indira Gandhi returned to power in 1980, reinstating Congress’s dominance. Her
assassination in 1984, however, plunged the party into crisis. Rajiv Gandhi succeeded
her and won the 1984 elections with a massive mandate, largely due to a sympathy
wave.

2. Rise of New Political Forces

The 1980s witnessed the rise of new political players. The Akali Dal, Telugu Desam Party
(TDP), and other regional parties gained prominence, reflecting the growing assertion of
regional identities.

3. Caste and Identity Politics

The implementation of the Mandal Commission report in the late 1980s introduced
affirmative action for Other Backward Classes (OBCs). This move reshaped the political
landscape, leading to the rise of parties like the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan
Samaj Party (BSP).

4. Decline of Congress

Corruption scandals, economic challenges, and growing social unrest eroded

Congress’s appeal. By the end of the decade, the party faced increasing competition
from both regional and national rivals.

Coalition Politics and BJP’s Emergence (1989–2004)

1. 1989 Elections: The End of One-Party Dominance

The 1989 elections marked the beginning of coalition politics at the national level. The
National Front government, supported by the BJP and the Left, came to power under V.P.
Singh.
2. Rise of the BJP

The BJP gained prominence during this period, primarily through the Ram Janmabhoomi
movement. The demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992 polarized Indian politics,
consolidating the BJP’s support base among Hindutva proponents.

3. Coalition Compulsions

The 1990s were characterized by unstable coalition governments. The Congress, BJP,
and regional parties alternated in forming alliances, reflecting the fragmented nature of
India’s electorate.

4. Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s Leadership

The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) formed a stable government under Atal
Bihari Vajpayee from 1998 to 2004. Vajpayee’s leadership emphasized economic
liberalization, infrastructure development, and coalition management.

Congress’s Revival and Challenges (2004–2014)

1. The UPA Era

The Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) returned to power in 2004. Under
Manmohan Singh, the UPA introduced landmark welfare schemes like the Mahatma
Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and Right to Information
(RTI) Act.

2. Challenges to Governance
Despite its initial success, the UPA faced significant challenges in its second term
(2009–2014). Corruption scandals, policy paralysis, and an economic slowdown
tarnished its image.

3. Emergence of New Movements

The Anna Hazare-led anti-corruption movement and the rise of the Aam Aadmi Party
(AAP) reflected growing disillusionment with traditional parties.

4. BJP’s Preparations for Resurgence

During this period, the BJP, under Narendra Modi’s leadership, began positioning itself
as a strong alternative to the Congress. Modi’s emphasis on development and
governance resonated with voters, particularly the youth.

The BJP Era: Dominance in the 21st Century (2014–Present)

1. The 2014 Elections: A Watershed Moment

The BJP’s victory in the 2014 general elections marked a new phase in Indian politics.
For the first time since 1984, a single party secured a majority on its own. Modi’s
message of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” (Together with All, Development for All) struck a
chord with the electorate.

2. 2019 Elections: Consolidation of Power

In 2019, the BJP won an even larger mandate, solidifying its dominance. The party’s
focus on nationalism, welfare schemes, and Hindutva ideology played a significant role
in its success.

3. Hindutva and Nationalism

The BJP’s emphasis on Hindutva and cultural nationalism has redefined India’s political
discourse. Policies like the abrogation of Article 370 (Jammu and Kashmir’s special
status) and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) reflect its ideological priorities.

4. Challenges to Opposition

The Congress continues to struggle as a national force, while regional parties maintain
influence in states like West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana. The fragmented
opposition has been unable to mount a cohesive challenge to the BJP.

Key Trends in the Party System

1. Decline of Congress Dominance:

The gradual erosion of the Congress’s hegemony has been the most significant trend in
India’s party system. From unchallenged dominance, it now finds itself struggling to stay
relevant.

2. Rise of Regional Parties:

Regional parties have grown in strength and influence, reflecting the diverse aspirations
of India’s states.

3. Emergence of BJP as a National Force:

The BJP’s rise from a marginal player to the dominant force highlights the changing
priorities and aspirations of the Indian electorate.

4. Shift to Bipolar Politics:

While regional parties remain influential, national politics increasingly revolves around
the BJP and Congress.

5. Fragmentation and Coalitions:

The fragmentation of the electorate has led to the era of coalitions, though the BJP’s
recent majority wins indicate a temporary break from this trend.

Conclusion
The evolution of India’s party system from the Congress era to the BJP’s dominance is a
testament to the dynamism of Indian democracy. Each phase reflects the changing
aspirations, identities, and priorities of the electorate. While the BJP currently
dominates the political landscape, the fluidity of Indian politics ensures that the system
remains open to further transformations in the years to come.