National Political Parties [Indian National Congress, BJP, CPI, CPI(M), BSP] : Ideology, Policy And Programmes

February 9, 2024

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INTRODUCTION

Political parties form the backbone of democracy. They act as a link between the Government and citizens. In India the multiparty system is prevalent in which 8 major National Political parties are included while 54 are state parties and many are regional parties. The major National parties discussed below are BJP, INC, BSP, CPI, CPI(M).

IDEOLOGY / PROGRAMMES OF INC :-

The Indian National Congress (INC) is one of the oldest and largest political parties in India. It was founded in 1885 and has played a central role in India's independence movement, as well as its post-independence political and economic development. The INC's ideology and programs are based on four key principles: faith in democracy, nationalism, non-alignment, and socialism.

FAITH IN DEMOCRACY :-The INC has always been committed to the principle of democracy. It believes that democracy is the best form of government, as it allows for the participation of the people in decision-making processes and protects their rights and freedoms. The INC has always worked towards strengthening democratic institutions and processes in India, and has been instrumental in the creation and preservation of democratic norms and values in the country.
NATIONALISM :- The INC is a nationalist party and has always believed in the unity and integrity of India as a nation. It has been committed to the idea of a strong and independent India, and has worked towards building a modern, secular, and democratic nation that is inclusive of all its diverse communities.
NON-ALIGNMENT :- The INC has always believed in the principle of non-alignment, which means that India should not align itself with any particular political or military bloc. Instead, it should maintain a neutral stance and work towards promoting peace and stability in the world. This policy of non-alignment has been a cornerstone of India's foreign policy and has helped it maintain good relations with both the developed and the developing world.
SOCIALISM :- The INC has always been committed to the ideal of socialism, which aims to create a society that is free from poverty, inequality, and discrimination. It believes in the redistribution of wealth and resources to ensure that everyone has access to basic necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare. The INC has implemented various programs and policies aimed at reducing poverty and promoting social equality, such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), which provides 100 days of guaranteed employment to rural households.

MAJOR POLICIES :-

National Education Policy, 1968 : This policy aimed at restructuring the education system in India, emphasizing on holistic and multidisciplinary education and introducing vocational education at the secondary level. It also emphasized on making education more accessible to the underprivileged sections of society.
Consumer Protection Act, 1986 : This act provides for the protection of interests of consumers and lays down the rights and duties of consumers, as well as the procedures for redressing grievances. It provides for the establishment of Consumer Disputes Redressal Agencies for quick and inexpensive resolution of disputes.
National Policy of Education, 1986 : This policy aimed at modernizing and integrating the education system, with a focus on promoting equality of educational opportunities and providing education of a comparable quality to all students. It also emphasized the development of scientific and technological education.
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 : This act provides for the prevention of cruelty to animals and lays down penalties for offenses related to the treatment of animals. It aims to ensure that animals are treated humanely and not subjected to unnecessary pain or suffering.
Introduction to Panchayati Raj, 1992: The Panchayati Raj system was introduced to decentralize the governance structure in India and provide more effective participation of people in the decision-making process. Under this system, Gram Panchayats, at the village level, were given the responsibility for implementing various development schemes and providing basic amenities to the people.
Anti-Defection Law, 1985 : This law provides for the disqualification of elected members of legislative bodies if they voluntarily give up their membership of the political party on whose ticket they were elected. The law aims to prevent political defections and promote stability in the functioning of legislative bodies.
New Industrial Policy, 1991: This policy aimed at promoting the growth of industries in India by liberalizing and deregulating the industrial sector. It provided for the removal of constraints on the establishment and expansion of industries, and encouraged private sector participation in the development of industries.
Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 : This act provides for the right of children in the age group of 6 to 14 years to free and compulsory education. It also lays down the duties of the government and parents in ensuring that children receive education.
Right to Information Act, 2005: This act provides for the right of citizens to access information held by the government. It requires government agencies to disclose information to citizens, except for information that is exempt under the act.
Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, 2013 : This act provides for the appointment of Lokpal and Lokayuktas at the central and state levels, respectively, to investigate allegations of corruption against public servants. The act aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the functioning of the government.
Bharat Jodo Yatra: This is not a policy, but it is a reference to the journey of the country (Bharat) to unite. The expression is often used to describe various campaigns or initiatives aimed at promoting national unity and integration.

IDEOLOGY / PROGRAMMES OF BJP:-

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is the ruling political party in India and is widely considered to be a right-wing party. Some of the key ideologies and programs of the BJP include:

HINDU NATIONALISM :- The BJP is seen as a champion of Hindu nationalism, which emphasizes the cultural and historical connection of India to Hinduism. The party views Hinduism as the defining characteristic of Indian civilization and culture and advocates for the protection and promotion of Hindu values and traditions.
FAITH IN DEMOCRACY :- The BJP is a strong believer in democratic ideals and processes. The party supports the principles of individual freedom, equality, and justice enshrined in the Indian constitution.
DECENTRALIZATION OF POWER :- The BJP supports the decentralization of power, which it believes will lead to greater accountability, efficiency, and responsiveness in governance. The party has pushed for the devolution of powers to states and local bodies, in line with its belief in cooperative federalism.
POSITIVE SECULARISM :- The BJP advocates for a concept of secularism that recognizes and respects all religions, but does not give any special treatment to any particular religion. The party believes in treating all religions equally and in fostering a harmonious relationship between people of different religious backgrounds.

POLICIES OF BJP :-

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is a political party in India and the current ruling party at the Center. The party's policies aim to improve the standard of living for the citizens of India and promote the country's growth and development. Here is a detailed explanation of some of the key policies of the BJP:

PM Kisan Scheme : The PM Kisan scheme was launched in 2019 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The scheme provides financial support to small and marginal farmers in India. Under the scheme, small and marginal farmers are eligible for an annual financial support of Rs. 6000, which is transferred directly into their bank accounts in three equal instalments.
Jan Dhan Yojana: The Jan Dhan Yojana was launched in 2014 by the BJP-led NDA government. The scheme aims to provide financial inclusion to the unbanked population of India. Under the scheme, individuals can open a savings bank account with a zero balance and avail various financial services such as overdrafts, insurance, and pension facilities.
Skill India Mission: The Skill India Mission was launched in 2015 by the BJP-led NDA government. The mission aims to provide skill-based training to the youth of India and make them employable. The mission focuses on enhancing the skills of the youth and making them industry-ready, thereby improving their employment prospects.
Swachh Bharat Mission: The Swachh Bharat Mission was launched in 2014 by the BJP-led NDA government. The mission aims to make India a clean and hygienic country by constructing toilets and promoting cleanliness. The mission aims to eradicate the practice of open defecation and improve the general cleanliness and hygiene of the country.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao: The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme was launched in 2015 by the BJP-led NDA government. The scheme aims to address the issue of declining child sex ratio and improve the status of girls in the country. The scheme focuses on educating and empowering girls and improving their health and nutrition.
PM Mudra Yojana: The PM Mudra Yojana was launched in 2015 by the BJP-led NDA government. The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to small businesses and entrepreneurs in India. Under the scheme, individuals can avail of loans up to Rs. 10 lakh to start or expand their business.
Atal Pension Yojana: The Atal Pension Yojana was launched in 2015 by the BJP-led NDA government. The scheme aims to provide a pension to the unorganized sector workers in India. The scheme provides a fixed pension of Rs. 1000 to Rs. 5000 per month to individuals who contribute regularly to the scheme during their working years.

IDEOLOGIES/ PROGRAMMES OF CPI:-

SOCIALISM :- The CPI advocates for a socialist system in which the means of production are owned and controlled by the workers and the state, with the goal of creating a classless society.
SOCIAL DEMOCRACY :- The party also supports social democratic principles, such as the provision of basic social services and a welfare state, in order to improve the standard of living for all citizens.
SECULARISM :- CPI believed religion and politics should not be mixed. If it is done it will divide the society so the state should not be involved in religion.
REDUCTION OF GAP BETWEEN RICH AND POOR:- The party also seeks to reduce the gap between the rich and the poor through progressive taxation, wealth redistribution, and the implementation of anti-poverty programs.

POLICIES OF CPI :-

The Communist Party of India (CPI) is one of the oldest political parties in India, founded in the year 1925. The party has a strong ideology that prioritizes the welfare of the working class and the poor. Here are the detailed explanations of the policies mentioned in your list:

Strong Lokpal : The CPI has promised to set up a strong Lokpal, which is an independent ombudsman office responsible for investigating corruption cases involving government officials. The establishment of a strong Lokpal is seen as a step towards transparency and accountability in governance, and is aimed at reducing corruption in the country.
No Use of Armed Forces for Political Means : The party has promised that the armed forces of India will not be used for political purposes, but will be used only for national defense. The armed forces are seen as a neutral and non-partisan entity, and the use of these forces for political purposes would compromise their integrity and impartiality.
Clean Drinking Water and Electricity Supply : The CPI has promised to ensure the supply of clean drinking water and electricity for all people in the country. This policy is aimed at providing basic necessities to all citizens, especially those in rural areas where access to clean water and electricity is often limited.
Discouragement of Foreign Direct Investments : The party has promised to discourage foreign direct investments, which are investments made by foreign entities into domestic companies or industries. The rationale behind this policy is to promote domestic investment and to reduce the dependence on foreign investments, which can lead to economic instability and loss of control over the country's resources.
Check on Misuse of Media : The CPI has promised to keep a check on the misuse of media. In a democratic country, the media plays a critical role in shaping public opinion, and it is essential that the media remains impartial and free from any kind of influence or manipulation. This policy is aimed at ensuring that the media remains a reliable source of information for the citizens.
Promotion of National Unity : The party has promised to promote national unity, which is seen as crucial for the development and progress of the country. National unity refers to the sense of belonging and solidarity that citizens have towards their country, and it is important for maintaining peace, stability, and promoting economic growth. The CPI's policy on national unity is aimed at fostering a sense of unity and cooperation among citizens, regardless of their cultural, religious, or ethnic background.

IDEOLOGIES/ PROGRAMMES OF CPI(M)

FAITH IN MARXISM AND LENINISM :- Party believes in implementation of Marxism and leninism to set up a society with no class exploitation. They believe progress can happen only where economic equality is prevalent.
WELFARE OF LABOUR :- The major focus of the Party is the proletariat class and wanted to organise the workers in trade unions and peasants in Kisan Sabhas.
AGAINST CAPITALISM :- They believed that the Indian economy is controlled by few individuals which is harmful for the nation. These bourgeois qre exploiting small farmers. This greed of MNCs needs to be stopped as it will hinder the growth of developing nations.
SECULARISM :- The Party does not believe in religion but holds the view to maintain the diversity of India. They are against Hindutva politics.

POLICIES OF CPI(M) :-

The Communist Party of India (Marxist), commonly known as the CPI(M), is a political party in India that operates on the ideology of Marxist-Leninist communism. The party has been active in the Indian political landscape since its formation in 1964 and has been part of the left-wing coalition in India for several decades. The policies of the CPI(M) are designed to promote social justice, equality, and the well-being of the working class. Here is a detailed explanation of some of the key policies of the CPI(M):

Housing for all people at affordable prices: The CPI(M) believes that access to affordable housing is a fundamental right for all citizens. The party aims to ensure that every family has a decent and affordable home to live in. This includes both urban and rural populations and the party promises to take measures to make this a reality through government policies and initiatives.
Promises not to control the inflation rates: Inflation can have a devastating impact on the economy and on the purchasing power of the general population. The CPI(M) acknowledges the need to control inflation and promises not to let it spiral out of control. The party aims to maintain a balance between economic growth and price stability, with a focus on protecting the interests of the working class and the poor.
New Food Security Law for Universal distribution of food: Access to food is a basic human right and the CPI(M) promises to bring in a new Food Security Law to ensure that every citizen has access to nutritious and affordable food. The party recognizes that food security is particularly important for the poor and vulnerable sections of society, and promises to take measures to ensure that they have access to food at all times.
Keeping expenditure on Education at 6 percent of GDP: Education is a critical component of social and economic development, and the CPI(M) promises to keep expenditure on education at 6 percent of GDP. The party believes that this will help to ensure that every citizen has access to quality education, regardless of their background or financial situation.
Land reforms and distributing surplus land to landless and poor farmers: The CPI(M) believes in the importance of land reforms and promises to distribute surplus land to landless and poor farmers. The party recognizes that land is a critical resource for agriculture and for rural development, and aims to ensure that it is distributed in a fair and equitable manner, to support the livelihoods of the rural population.

IDEOLOGIES /PROGRAMMES OF BSP :-

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is a political party in India that primarily represents the interests of the Bahujan (lower castes and Dalits) community. The party's ideology is based on the principles of social justice, humanism, and equality, and it seeks to uplift and empower marginalized communities.

LIBERALISM :- The BSP is often described as a left-of-center party, and its political agenda emphasizes the need for affirmative action and reservations for historically marginalized groups. The party's political program also includes a focus on economic and social development, as well as the promotion of secularism and the protection of minority rights.
HUMANISM :- The BSP's humanist ideology is based on the belief that every individual, regardless of their caste, religion, or background, should be treated with dignity and respect. The party seeks to promote a society where everyone has equal opportunities to access education, healthcare, and employment, and where discrimination and social inequalities are eliminated.

POLICIES OF BSP :-

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is a political party in India that was formed with the aim of representing and promoting the interests of the Bahujan or "majority" community, which consists of lower castes, Dalits, Adivasis, and other marginalized groups. The party's policies are aimed at providing economic, social, and political empowerment to these communities and addressing their grievances.

Housing for All Oppressed Classes: BSP promises to provide housing for all oppressed classes, including the homeless and those who live in substandard conditions. The party aims to ensure that every family has access to safe, secure, and affordable housing, regardless of their caste, religion, or economic status.
Economic Emancipation: BSP aims at working for the economic emancipation of the oppressed classes by abolishing the practice of landlords and moneylenders. The party believes that these groups have long exploited the economically weaker sections of society, and it is committed to ending this exploitation and promoting economic justice.
Doctor Ambedkar Gram Vikas Yojana: This scheme aims to provide basic amenities and infrastructure to the rural areas, such as electricity, water, and roads, with the objective of improving the quality of life of the rural population.
Kashi Ram Shram Samagra Vikas Yojana: This scheme is aimed at the overall development of the state of Uttar Pradesh, with a focus on promoting employment opportunities, education, and healthcare.
Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj Medical University in Lucknow : The BSP established this medical university in Lucknow with the aim of providing high-quality medical education to students in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
Yamuna Expressway: The Yamuna Expressway is a 165 km long, 6-lane expressway connecting Noida and Agra in Uttar Pradesh. The BSP government built this expressway to improve transportation and connectivity in the region.
Metro Train on the Buddha Circuit: The BSP government has planned to build a metro train on the Buddha circuit, connecting important tourist destinations such as Sarnath and Kushinagar. This project is aimed at promoting tourism and economic development in the region.
Mahamaya Garib Arthik Madad Yojana: This scheme provides financial assistance to the economically weaker sections of society, including the widows, the elderly, and the disabled. The objective of the scheme is to provide a safety net to those who are unable to support themselves and to reduce poverty and inequality.

CONCLUSION

From the above discussion it can be concluded that different political parties of India hold different ideologies. They aim at building society differently by different aims and policies.