DAMODARAM SANJIVAYYA NATIONAL LAW UNIVERSITY

VISAKHAPATNAM, A.P., INDIA

PROJECT TITLE
POLITICAL PARTIES AND SYSTEM IN INDIA- IDEOLOGIES, EVOLUTION,
REFORMATION AND PRODUCT OF HISTORICAL CIRCUMSTANCES

SUBJECT
POLITICAL SCIENCE

NAME OF THE FACULTY

MRS. NIRMALA DEVI

NAME OF STUDENT-UMA SHANKAR MISHRA

18LLB091

SECTION-B

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Acknowledgement
I express my gratitude to our political science faculty Mrs. TY Nirmala Devi who has
provided me with an opportunity to do a Project on the Topic – Political Parties and System
In India-ideologies, evolution, reformation and a product of Historical circumstances. I tried
my best to collect information from various sources assimilate them and include them in the
project. In spite these checks there are possibilities that I may be wrong at some places for
which I seek apologies.

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Contents
1) Acknowledgement ………………………………………………………2
2) Aim and scope of study…………………………………………............. 4
2) Introduction……………………………………………………………….5
3) Indian National Congress……………………………………………….. 7-12
4) Bharatiya Janata Party……………………………………………………13-
16
5) Communist Party of India and Communist Party of India (Marxist)…..16-18
6) Biju Janata Dal…………………………………………………………...18-
20
7) Aam Aadmi Party………………………………………………………20-22
8) Conclusion……………………………………………………………......23
9) Bibligraphy…………………………………………………………………24

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AIMS OF THE STUDY
The study tries to examine the Political system which evolved In India over a considerable
period of time since independence. Various Political parties were established in India and
this study tries to examine how they continuously tried to evolve and stay relevant over a
period of time in spite of huge competition by other parties. It also tries to find out what
factors and movements helped political parties to reinvent themselves when they were not in
limelight and in verge of extinction.

RESEACH METHODOLOGY
The study is doctrinal in nature where we try to collect information from as much as source
as possible, assimilate them and present them.

SCOPE OF THE STUDY

As per the Election Commission of India records there exist more than 750 recognised
political parties in India. It is practically impossible to include all of them in this project; so I
have tried to restrict myself to 4 National Political Parties namely
The Indian National Congress (INC),
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP),
Communist party Of India (CPI)
Communist Party of India (CPIM)
Two State Level Political Parties.
Biju Janata Dal (BJD) - Odisha
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) - Delhi, Punjab

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INTRODUCTION
Political parties and system have evolved considerably over a period of time. Party system is
something a nation cannot choose. It depends on various factors such as nature of society,
regional and cultural division, history of the state and the problems faced by its people in
particular. India being a multi- lingual and multi-cultural state has a wide range of diversities
and thus India has evolved a system of multi-party democracy because of its social and
geographical diversity as India is such a large county that it cannot be absorbed by two or
three parties.1 Therefore it is natural to have large number of political parties in India
representing various states, traditions and culture. The rise of political parties in India or else
anywhere in world can be linked to Representative Democracy. As societies become large
and complex there is a need for Government to listen to diverse opinions and view points
over a Particular issue which could easily be fulfilled by the existence of various parties both
at the state and Central level. Thus we can see creation of political parties In Various ways.
Most of the political parties’ aroused out of social movement.

The social movement have various shades of colour in it, for Example The Indian National
congress arose out of the idea of creating a Dialogue between the British and The Indians
which subsequently changed its Nature by being anti-British and its Sole objective Under
leadership Of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal and others was to drive out British from India
and to attain Independence of India from British. Its objective were achieved after passing Of
Indian Independence Act, 1947 which received the formal assent of Queen on July 18, 1947.
After Independence the objectives of Congress changed time -to -time in various phases of
Indian politics after independence which would be discussed in relevant portions of project.

The Bharatiya Janata Party came into existence after the Revival of erstwhile Jana Sangha,
which itself was formed due to growing apprehension among the Indian people that the
Hindu interests are being subdued by the Congress. The Jana Sangha was founded by Dr.
Shyama Prasad Mukherjee which emphasised on taking pride in Bharat’s own Ancient Hindu
culture to take inspiration from India’s Past and to march ahead for future; the BJP could be
regarded as India’s Right especially with its hard line views on topics such as enforcement of
Uniform Civil Code i.e. replacement of all Personal Laws of India of different religions
which are based on their Holy scriptures with a uniform rules and regulations governing
Indian Citizen, abrogation of Article 370 which guarantees special status to government Of

1
Democratic Politics II , A text book in political science for class X,NCERT,2006

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Jammu And Kashmir , Construction of Ram Temple In Ayodhya. Though the party had kept
these issues on backburner due to compulsions of Indian politics.

The Communist party of India was born in 1925 alongside India’s freedom movement to
address the concerns of working class, peasants who were being exploited by the British. It
took inspiration from the Russian revolution which overthrew king, Aristocrat and working
class and wanted to establish the government of Peasants and working class. Believed that
democratic elections were a useful tool for securing socio-economic justice in India.
Communist party of India (Marxist) - It’s a breakaway faction of CPI which had differences
with CPI over attitude towards the Congress Party.

The Biju Janata Dal came into existence after spilt from Janata Dal over its failure to keep its
Flock together on 26th December 1997.The Janata dal was split into various branches such as
Rastriya Janata dal, Samajwadi party, Rastriya lok Dal and others. The party is conscious
about its State Identity and is always keen to put forward the demands of people of Odisha.
The Party believes in Socialism, secularism and it’s Position in the Indian political Spectrum
Could Be considered as Centre.

The Aam Aadmi Party popularly known as AAP was born on 2nd October 2012. The birth of
this party was a watershed moment in India’s political history. It suddenly opened the doors
for common citizens, who had been watching the decline of the country’s politics and
governance from the side-lines, to become a part of a political party. There were no barriers
to entry that had caused traditional political outfits to become family fiefdoms or communal
organisations. Women and men, old and young, poor and rich – all were welcome as aam
aurats and aam aadmis in this new party. The AAP pioneered the crowd-sourced model of
electoral fundraising in India with small donations running the party right from the beginning.
With the promise to end corruption from the system and put forth a model of alternative
politics, the AAP made its grand entry2.

These parties though founded on social issues and Agitations facing the common man , they
all eventually mixed with the other political parties whom they were supposed to change
;such as River when originates from glaciers or hills is Pure but when it merges itself with
the sea it cannot be distinguished that us It becomes On with them. Through this project I will

2
https://aamaadmiparty.org/about/our-history/

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try to find and Analyse what Factors in the Indian Political System catalysed their Formation
and what led to the change from their founding Ideology

INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS (INC)

The Indian National Congress has a vast history. In fact the vast History of congress could be
considered as history of Indian Polity. It could be categorised pre – independence era,
nehruvian era, post Nehru era, Indira era, Rajiv era and Sonia era. The Congress Party could
be justified as the first Indian Political Party to be product Of Historical circumstances as it
was due to British rule it came into existence.

a) PRE-INDEPENDENT ERA

The symbol and Flag of Indian National Congress before

Independence.

The Congress acted as a link between British and general Public, It sent petition to
government seeking remedies for various Injustices Meted out to Indians. Through petitions
it created a limited effect upon British who passed small reforms which were of limited
Avail.

After the Division of Congress into two divisions namely extremists and Moderates, there
were a number of agitations on issues such as Partition of Bengal, Swadeshi Movement
which gave Impetus to congress as an Organisation; But the Real role of Congress as a
Political Organisation came when Mahatma Gandhi tried to forge and Bring people with
Diverse Backgrounds and field into one Movement which Strengthen the Congress Party.
The Party adopted the charkha as its flag and Symbol. It went onto do various movements
and finally culminated by getting Indian Independence. Throughout this phase congress was
secular and as a body consisted of people with different Hues and Character. Who shared
their diverse opinions and their views were accommodated. The people in Congress had
Different characters

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And had different Views on how India should be developed after Independence. Despite of
Differences and Disagreement over Key Issues the party was united always under its One
Goal to Throw British out Of India.

b) POST INDEPENDENT ERA

The electoral Symbol of Congress Party between the Years 1952- 1969

I) Organisation of Congress in Nehruvian era

`
There was an Internal Factional war going on Within the Congress Party and we can
see that every group was trying to get supremacy over other. The conservative and
Socialistic factions were trying to control Party, but eventually after Resignation of JB
Kriplani and Death of Sardar Vallabhai Patel, the Conservative and Socialistic
factions Of Congress lost their dominance and Nehruvian Faction assumed its
Supremacy.
The results for the control of Party Organisation Were Removal of Puroshottamadas
Tandon as a President of AICC.

ii) Freedom of Pradesh –Congress- committees

The party Dominated the Entire political discourse of the Country but with view exceptions
that of communist governments in Kerala. But The Most Important feature in the Nehruvian
era (1947-1964) was the Degree of Autonomy Granted to State Units or Pradesh Congress
Committees. They were able to raise their Own Funds for fighting Elections, were able to
fight their Own Elections and Names for Candidates for assembly and Parliamentary seats
were approved By Party’s Central Leadership without much Changes. 3

The names of the chief ministers became synonymous with their states during this period

3
Partha Chatterjee, State and Politics In India, Oxford University Press,1997 ,Page number 11

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 STATE NAME OF CHIEF MINISTER
Andhra Pradesh Neelam Sanjiva Reddy
Assam BP chaliha
Bihar Sri Krishna Sinha
Odisha HK mahatab
Mysore S. Nilanjigappa
Maharashtra YB Chavan
Rajasthan Mohan Lal Sukhadia
Madras K. Kamaraj
Uttar Pradesh CB gupta
West Bengal BC Roy
Punjab Pratap Singh Kairon

The Proof of Autonomy of the state units can be Measured from the Fact That after Death of
Nehru, K. Kamaraj along with the party presidents and Chief Ministers of Various States
Decided the Next Prime Minister.

The Most -lasting example of powers Asserted by Regional units and Leaders Can Be
Asserted from the Fact that even after the Death of Lal Bahadur Shastri, the Powerful Group
of Regional Leaders Popularly Known as Syndicate consisting of kamaraj. Sanjiva Reddy,
Nilanjigappa, SK Patel and Atulya Ghosh who secured the election of Mrs. Indira Gandhi
As Next Prime-Minister of India.

c) Factors leading to acceptance of Nehru’s leadership In Congress

What could be the Reasons of Congress Showing a Nehruvian Tilt? The Country Was Devoid
Of Any Statesman During These Period. The Father of Nation ‘Mahatma Gandhi’ was no
more with us anymore; Ironman of India and The Man Who united Whole of India Sardar
Vallabhai Patel left this world in 1950. There was no leader of stature of Nehru during this
period who could provide leadership to country at this crucial Juncture. If the party would not
have been under Nehru and would be lost in infighting then our country would have
experienced the fate like Pakistan and Burma (now Myanmar) were their leaders Mohammed
Ali Jinnah and Aung San Respectively who were either assassinated or died due to natural
Causes which created a leadership Vacuum and Infighting for the premier’s position which
threw their Countries Into a Crises and led to imposition Of Military rule In their Countries.
The Majority of Congress leaders in the Interest of Country, its Stability accepted Nehru’s
leadership who could be described as most eligible man at that Moment for leading a diverse
and Huge Country like India which in Aftermath of Partition was battling Huge Population,
rehabilitating the displaced people tackling the Problem of Malnutrition and feeding a Large

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Population. Though the Party was under Leadership of Nehru diverse Views Were
accommodated and party members were free to criticise their leader’s policies and were not
hounded upon. In fact the most serious opposition of his policies was within his party.
Some of his party members criticised his policy in the floor of the parliament.

Instability Years of Conflict and split

The 1967 elections after death of Lal- Bahadur Shastri was of uncertainty .and problems.
Rapid Rise and Industrialisation led to severe food shortages, adding to its high defence
expenditure owing to wars between Pakistan and China, oil price shocks led to severe foreign
exchange crises. It was against this backdrop that several agitations and congress lost large
vote share and non-congress governments came to power In Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Haryana
and many other states. There was a struggle building up inside congress between the Indira
and her Young Socialistic group who wanted complete overhaul of economic policies, Bank
nationalisation and other radical measures which were not accepted to the older generation of
leaders. It led to the split in Congress Party most popularly Known as 1967 Split.4

d) Split of 1969

It can be described as the most important event in the History of Congress in India when a
new faction of congress called Congress Requisitiontist was formed due to price rise and
Various Other Factors Which distressed the Public. There was a Growing Outcry against
establishment which propelled Indira Gandhi to Form a New Party. It was the
circumstances prevailing then which led to creation of the party called Congress (R).
She asserted her authority immediately in the party which was now in minority in Parliament
and when it became untenable for her to continue she called for Fresh elections.

Era of Indira supremacy

The congress (R) under Indira Gandhi had to take new control over the party and was allotted
Cow and a Calf.

4
Partha Chatterjee State and Politics in India, Oxford india,1997

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Congress (R) under Indira Gandhi swept the 1971 elections. After this victory the nature of
Congress party was changed. She adopted a more confrontational approach towards
opposition and within party. Congress now relied more on populist ideology and the system
was more centralised, focused on her which led to collapse of Intra – party Democracy within
the Congress. She became the supreme leader and the autonomy of Pradesh Congress
Committees was severely curtailed. The Organisation was entirely different from what
congress During Nehru Time was. She produced a more Authoritarian type Of Functioning
where Direction Comes From High Command to the Grassroots Level. She adopted a
competitive Approach both towards her own party state governments and the Opposition.5

All these Authoritative attitude of Indira Gandhi culminated into Emergency which can be
described as Darkest Period of Indian Democracy; Civil Rights were Curtailed which led to
Arrests, Agitation and led to her Defeat in 1977 Elections

e)Formation of Congress (Indira)

After her Defeat Congress Was Further Divided Into Congress (swaran) and Congress
(Indira)

She took the symbol Of Open Palm or Hand

5
Bhagvan D. Dua, Presidential Rule In India, 1950-1974: A Study in crises in politics(New Delhi ,S.Chand,1979)

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After the fall of successive Janata Party Governments Indira Gandhi came back to power in
1980 elections and it led to congress as a Dynastic Party where command comes from the
authorities above. The nature of authority had become highly personalised and she
transformed the party into a dynastic system and on the personality cult. The later leaders
Rajiv Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and even Rahul Gandhi followed the same policies pioneered by
Indira.

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 II Bharatiya Janata Party
The Ideological and Cultural history Of Bharatiya Janata party could be ascertained from
history of its earlier incarnation the Bharatiya Jana Sangh. The party in Jana sangh era was
more concerned with propagation of Hindu ideology than tasting electoral success. The Jana
sangh worked through an elaborate system of sakhas through which its ideologies are
promoted. The Hindu nationalist conception of power says that state must interfere to make
minorities respect Hindu culture and assimilate into it by swearing an allegiance to its symbol
of identity by identifying with its history.

a)Hindutva

Vinayak damodar savakar (1883-1966) propounded the philosophy of Hindutva supported

the cause of Cultural Nationalism and formation of Hindu Rashtra. His Political Philosophy
was that people living in the land Between Indus and The Seas need to consider themselves
as Hindu. The Notion of Hindutva was evolved by Radical elements within Hinduism which
envisages that Hindus to establish the complete Control over affairs of India. Hindutva
envisages establishment Of Hindu- Rashtra in India as people who consider the Land
Bhartvarsha from Indus to the Seas as his fatherland as well Holy Land to be considered as
Hindu. Further 3 fundamental bonds Which Would Conjoin Hindus as a Fundamental Entity
were Rashtra, Jati and Sanskriti.6 He preaches that Hindus must feel pride and cultural
affinity with other people of Hindustan His ideology has Been Adopted by Parent of Jana-
Sangh Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh as the Intellectual Input in Pursuits of Hindu Rashtra
in India.7Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Founded the Jana Sangh as Party advocating the
Philosophy advocated by its ideologue V.D Savarkar. Rastriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)
founder K.B Hedge war was also instrumental in Formation of Jana Sangh as the RSS was
banned From Participating in Political Activities. The Party had its Bases in the Hindi
Heartland, though not yet governing these states but was a political force to reckon with them
there.

The Jana Sangh is a different among political parties which exist in India. A Political Party
which as a Promoter of Hindu ethnicity and Nationalism Defined among Religious Lines. It
aims to create a Unified Hindu Nation through a Politics of Polarisation.

6
Bidyut chakrabarty, RK pandey, Modern indian political Thought, SAGES publication,2009 page no. 215
7
Bidyut chakrabarty, RK pandey, Modern indian political Thought, SAGES publication,2009 page no.206

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The Sangh Parivar consisting of BJP and its Affiliates such as Viswa Hindu Parishad,
Bajarang Dal, and other groups which enforce its Ideology Of Formation Of Hindu- Rashtra.

b)Factors leading to formation of the Jana sangh

Electoral symbol of Jana sangh.

Circumstances by which BJP was founded could be directly linked to Historical Causes
behind the Formation of RSS. RSS was founded in 1925 as a Reaction to growing Pan –
Islamism where The Muslim League was representing Muslim Interests and feeling among
Hindu Intelligentsia that If There Is No One to represent their Interests. To Have a Political
Organisation to Represent Hindu Interests, Jana Sangh was created which was a precursor to
the Bharatiya Janata Party.

c) Formation of Bharatiya Janata Party

After The fallout With Jana Party the Jana Sangh Was Rechristened as Bharatiya Janata Party

and Formed in 1980. Initially, the BJP adopted a broader political platform than that

Of the Jana Sangh. It embraced ‘Gandhian Socialism’ as its ideology. But it did not get much

success in the elections held in 1980 and 1984.After 1986, the party began to emphasise the

Hindu nationalist element in its ideology. The BJP pursued the politics of ‘Hindutva’ and

adopted the strategy of mobilising the Hindus the party reverted back to its own original

ideology of Hindutva8 and formation of Hindu Rashtra. The Party Touched the Ram Janma

Bhoomi Movement Along with Its allies In the Sangh Parivar Which Was a Turning Point in

Its History which changed its stature from a state level party to one of the Major National

Party Which Governs Us Today.

8
Political science, a textbook for class XII,NCERT,2007

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d) Ram Janmabhoomi Movement (Religious Mobilisation1980-1990’s)

It was this movement which transformed The BJP from a lower rung party to a Party of High
Stature. The Implementation of an Instrumentation policy Led To Hindu-mass Mobilisation
and generate a retro-effect. The Viswa Hindu Parishad Under its Chief Ashok Singal ignited
Pro- Ram-Mandir Sentiments among the People and created a Domino- effect i.e. Unity in
Hindus irrespective Of Caste, creed, language and Culture as Hindus revere Lord Rama Very
Much. The central theme of the Agitation was Ram Was Kept in a Prison inside The Mosque
which ignited Hindu sentiments9. Due to Association with an Emotionally Charged Cause
BJP got 88 seats In Lok Sabha.

e)Rath Yatra and Demolition of Mosque (1990-1992)

Things took another serious turn when BJP president LK Advani took Rath Yatra in 1990
where there was a Mass Mobilisation Of People he Undertook a Rath yatra From Somnath To
Ayodhya for Construction Of Ram Temple crossing 10,000 kilometres of country’s territory
Though was stopped In Bihar By Lalu Prasad there was Mass firing On Kar sevaks in
Ayodhya which Claimed Lives Of Many Kar-sevaks which was exploited by BJP for its
electoral Gains.

The Most dramatic event which took place was the Demolition of Babri Masjid by the VHP,
BJP and Kar Sevaks Which were mobilised by The Hindu Organisation. On 6 th December
1992, the structure Of Babri Masjid was Demolished under the Leadership of BJP leaders and
the State Government under BJP did nothing to stop the massacre. In – fact The Central
Government was Silent on This Issue even Though it had Information of the Plans of Sangh
Parivar. It Led To Severe Backlash and Communal Riots throughout the Country and
tensions in the Indian society. All These events helped BJP consolidate its Vote Bank i.e. the
conservative Hindus and propelled it to power.

The Demolition of Babri Masjid Severely Polluted the Atmosphere of the Country and large
parts of country faced Communal violence. During these Periods Riots were Common In
most parts Of India as far as Mumbai, Chennai. The entire Uttar Pradesh was in wave of
Lawlessness. The Situation became so tensed that the President dismissed the kalyan Singh
led BJP government In UP and Imposed President rule In UP.

9
Political science, a textbook for class XII,NCERT,2007, pg. no. 210

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f)Moderation in Ideology and formation of NDA

The BJP created History By forming its government in 1996 which collapsed in 13 Days.
After this the BJP came to realise that it cannot form government on its own and on
pragmatic consideration a National democratic Alliance was Formed In which BJP decided to
put in back burner its contentious issues such as Article 370 abolition of special status to
Jammu And Kashmir, The Uniform Civil Code which means a common Code would govern
personal laws Of the country, construction Of Ram Temple In Ayodhya which helped the
BJP to govern the country from 1998 – 2004.

After 2004

The BJP continues sometimes propagating its Radical Ideology of Hindutva and came back
to power under leadership of shri Narendra Modi in 2014.

III) Communist parties [CPI (M) and CPI]

The Communist movement in Russia which inspired the supporters of Communist movement
in India to launch their own Communist movement in India and Thus the Communist Party of
India was born in 1925 to uphold the Rights of Indian agricultural labourers and working
class in factories. As the communist didn’t believe in the capitalist system but wanted to
establish a Communist government in India with state- controlled land and policies adopted
in Soviet Russia. After Independence accepted that democracy in the Indian political system.

a)Softening of communist ideology

Though supportive of Soviet political system but accepted Democratic form of Government
in India i.e. Parliamentary form Of Government as a suitable means Of representing the
Interests of working class, farmers and the poor. A strong critic of policies of present day
governments of selling shares in government companies and ushering into an era of private
Economy where companies would be in hands of Private individuals which could be termed
as free Market economy.

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The EMS Namboodiripad government in Kerala became India’s first non-congress
government which came to power in 1960. It was very harsh critic and opposition of congress
policies and maintained equidistance from both the congress and the right wing parties such
as the Hindu Mahasabha and the Jana Sangh.

b) Split in 1964 due to historical circumstances

There was a widespread rift within the Communist Party regarding the political line to be
followed further. As the Soviet Russia had good relations with Nehru’s India it wanted the
CPI to tone down its tenor against congress which was unacceptable to large members Of
CPI and rift in Chinese and Russian arms Of Communist party was wide in Open each
accusing each other of not Following the Communist Ideology. The Chinese faction Of the
Party was angered by the act of central party leadership and by 1964 the differences among
the communists had become irreconcilable. The parting of ways of the conservative and
radical factions was helped by the fact that the Sino-Soviet split was out in the open now.
During the CPI’s National Council meeting that year in Delhi, 32 members famously walked
out to form the “real communist party”. Later on, in a meeting in Calcutta, they founded the
Communist Party of India (Marxist).10

c) Understandings with the Congress

By 1996 elections with the Growing Popularity Of The Bharatiya Janata party as an
alternative to Congress And rise in people following BJP’s nationalist Ideology and Decline
in people accepting the Communist Ideology led the Communist Parties to have
understanding’s with congress to Keep the BJP or what it calls Communal Forces Out Of The
Power. Again In 2004 when Congress Led UPA unable to cross The majority mark it was
The Left consisting Of CPI and CPI(M) and various other Communist Parties with 59 Seats
Which Provided Outside Support to The Coalition.

Whatever be the Position of Left Today, the Governance Model of Kerala and West Bengal
Were its Slogan ‘Land to Tiller’ helped to eradicate the ill effects Of Zamindari System
introduced By Lord Cornavalis.

STATE PARTY

10
https://scroll.in/article/722209/as-cpi-and-cpi-m-mull-merger-a-short-history-of-how-they-split-up-in-the-
first-place

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A state party is a Party which has scored 4% vote in Assembly Elections could be considered
as State Party. The Ideology of Regionalism Started Prevailing in the Indian Political
Scenario when People Started Getting Aware of the Political Parties, their aspirations
Increased and To Cater Their Demands Regional Parties Emerged. People Started Debating
about Local Issues and Local Issues Could Be Best addressed the rise of powerful regional
parties, demanding more and more autonomy, has undoubtedly made democracy more
palpable to the Indian mass. The process has definitely decentralised power from the centre to
the states and has improved governance11. There are now an array of Regional parties
representing the Indian States. Parties like DMK, Alkali dal, People’s Democratic Party,
National Conference and various Other Parties Have Influenced Central Government in Its
Foreign Policy Decisions such as Boycotting Sri Lanka for atrocities Committed against
Tamil’s during the breakup of Prabhakaran Rule, talks To Pakistan and So on. I want to
restrict myself to 2 state Parties I.e. Biju Janata Dal and The Aam Aadmi Party. These parties
have revolutionised their states in their own ways; while One Has Restored dignity of his
state while The Other Campaigned Against The major Parties i.e. Congress and the BJP for
Eradicating Corruption From Public life and transformed the social movement against
corruption into a Political Party.

IV) Biju Janata Dal

The Biju Janata Dal was formed in 1997 in response to factional fight in Janata Dal In 1997
after the demise of Biju Patnaik, the Odisha unit of Janata Dals hewed the way for a split.
There was also disagreement in the party over the leadership issue. The Janata Dal was
plagued with internal politics over who will control the party and the people of Odisha were
suffering under the corrupt administration of Janaki ballab Patnaik. In the last week of
December 1997 Naveen stood under giant cut-out of his father at ‘Naveen niwas’

11
https://www.thedailystar.net/op-ed/politics/rise-regional-political-parties-india-1238650

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Biju Patnaik‘s house in Bhubaneswar and announced that he and a large number of legislators
were breaking away from the Janata Dal (JD) to form the Biju Janata Dal (BJD). ―”My
father had lot of dreams for Odisha, he intoned, ―to realize those dreams are our goal”12

a)Circumstances leading to its formation.

The state of Odisha was under a constant problem before the Formation of BJD. The
Inefficient administration of Congress under J.B Patnaik, Infighting in the Odisha unit of
Janata dal after the demise Of Biju Patnaik. The catalyst for fall of Janaki regime was its
mismanagement of super –cyclone which made land fall in Odisha with winds crossing 200-
250 Kilo mph which caused widespread destruction to life and property of people and the
government was inefficient in handling the disaster which led to its downfall.

b)Ideology of the party

The party though was a part of ruling NDA between 1998 and 2004 but its secular credentials
couldn’t be questioned. The party broke its alliance with the BJP on the issue of Kandhamal
riots, a tribal dominated place in western Odisha were there was escalations between tribal
Christians and Hindus. The associates of BJP popularly known as Sangh Parivar and one of
its constituent Bajarang dal had hands in Riots. Naveen immediately removed his party out of
NDA.

c)Reasons for BJD success

1) Naveen Patnaik inherited the legacy of his father Biju Patnaik who had worked tirelessly
for welfare of Odisha ; established paradip port even when centre was unwilling to give funds
on account; he using state funds constructed the port and later When Nehru criticised in the
Parliament for his decision to provide more aid to Odisha. Nehru replied, '"Biju Patnaik has
the courage, dynamism and zeal to work. So there is no blunder in giving more aid to
Odisha”

2) Most of the other parties such as Congress underestimated the role of women in the
changing Political Landscape. Of Odisha. He launched mission Shakti underlining her cause
for Improvement of socio- economic Conditions of women in society. He is one of the first
chief ministers to introduce 50% reservation of seats for women contesting the Municipal
Corporations.

12
International Journal of Academic ResearchISSN:,Vol.2, Issue-2(1), April-June, 2015

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3) Absence of a Mandal level agitation in the state had led to lack of unity among SC’s and
OBC’s which further helped Naveen. Lack of Muslim Population In the state about 2% of the
Electorate also helped BJD has there were no problems in allying with BJP which
antagonises Muslims on account of its radical policies.

V) Aam Aadmi Party

Aam Aadmi Party popularly Known as AAP was created on 2 nd October 2012 by group of
volunteers of Movement India against Corruption (IAC) , a movement for Passing For the Jan
Local Bill pending in Parliament since 1966 which directs for appointment of Lokpal at
central level for finding out corruption cases and at State Level Supported By Lokayukta. As
the union government failed to heed to demands of civil society; it transformed into an
agitation from which a group of volunteers formed a Political Party for achieving their cause
of corruption free public administration and passing of lokapal and lokayukta bill at
appropriate levels.

a) Historical Background of Formation

I) the agitation phase (2011-2012)

On the Background of government attitude towards Lokpal bill a group of people popularly
known as Team Anna along with the NGO India Against corruption started an agitation for
passing Of Jan Lokpal Bill and its Leader Gandhian and social Activist Anna Hazare started a
fast unto death or Hunger strike on 5 th April, 2011 at Jan tar Mantar In Delhi. There was a
huge outpouring support for the veteran Gandhian at Jantar – Mantar and thousands of people
assembled at Jantar – mantar and showed their support for Anna who was fighting for public
cause. People started singing songs such as ‘lokpal-lokpal pass karo Jan Lokpal’. Citizens
mostly youth came onto streets elsewhere in other parts of country demanding the Passing of
slogans. Anna wanted to keep the movement apolitical; therefore he didn’t allow political
leaders to share stage with him on Dias. Children started wearing gandhian caps and
inscribed with ‘main anna hoon’ i.e. I am Anna. It built a pressure on to the Congress led
UPA government that it was forced to relent under public opinion and acceded to their
demands

ii) August protest

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On 16th august, 2011 after disagreement between the civil society members and the
government over the draft of lokpal bill where both the sides presented different draft of
lokpal bill Team – Anna decided to renew their agitation and Hunger- Strike at JP park in the
national Capital but the Authorities refused to give Permission and Imposed section 144 on
these areas of the National capital. Anna along with other like Arvind kejriwal, kiran bedi,
Prashant bhushan and others were locked up in Tihar Jail. It caused mass outrage among
citizens. The government even went to the extent of telling that they suspect a foreign hand in
these protests for destabilising democracy in India. But after much public opposition it
released anna and members of his team and the Delhi Police agreed to allow them for a 15
day permission for organising agitation in ram Lila maidan. He ended his fast in ram Lila
Maidan After assurance from union minister Vilas Rao Deshmukh that lokpal bill will be
introduced in parliament. After Lok Sabha Introduced the Bill in the Parliament on 26
august, 2011 then Anna broke his fast on 27 august 2011 after 288 hours without food. It was
described as a Major Milestone that protests in the Ram Lila maidan rocked the luthyens
Delhi particularly the 10, Jan path that government introduced the bill in the parliament.

iii) November – December 2011

The government even though introduced the bill in parliament but the tactic understanding
ensured that the bill was not passed in parliament; which led to anna Hazare announcing a
new fast in December. By Now the Members of the Movement India against Corruption were
divided on the issue of remaining apolitical or enter into politics. Some Members of the
Movement decided to themselves enter into the politics and branch led by former RTI activist
and Ramon Magsaysay award Winner Arvind Kejriwal decided to form a new Political Party
and thus aam aadmi party was born.

b) Party phase (2012-ongoing)

i) Symbol

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The Symbol was chosen carefully by the party leadership. It signifies our party (aam aadmi
Party translated literally says common man’s party) will cleanse through the broom all the
dirt spread by the Conventional Political Parties and make it clean.

ii) Ideology

The party espouses secularism, advocates decentralisation of power, democratic Socialism,

populism and zero resistance to corruption. Its main theme under which it fought Delhi
assembly elections was Pragmatic Politics i.e. Subsidised electricity and power for a limited
amount, its position in the Ideological spectrum could be defined between centre-left and left.

iii) Delhi assembly elections

2013-Won 28 seats formed government with outside support Of Congress; resigned after 49
days in power.

2015-After the debacle in 2014 lok Sabha elections ; It started focussing on Delhi and after
a successful campaign won a landslide victory by getting 67 out of 70 seats in Delhi Vidhan
Sabha could be called as AAP tsunami. Arvind Kejriwal took oath as Chief Minister of Delhi
on 15th February 2015.

iv)Aftermath of elections

After the verdict of Delhi assembly elections widespread allegations against Party convenor
Arvind Kejriwal of his dictatorial attitude of functioning and crushing the internal democracy
within party. The party particularly Arvind Kejriwal is accused of political opportunism by
using the lokpal movement as an excuse for entering into politics and gaining power through
wide coverage given to him due to the movement. He even is accused of letting go its
founding principles after having a taste of power; many of the founding members of the party
have left him.

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Conclusion

We have seen various political parties of various characters across the political system from
Right to Left including the regional parties. One of the most common thing which could be
seen among them is that all of them have come to existence due to popular struggle and
movement. Each political party could be associated with a movement.

In my opinion and my inference from this project political parties could be classified into 2
types

I) Political parties either were born out of the movement - Parties such as Aam aadmi
party which came into existence due to anti- corruption and lokpal agitation of 2011 or asom
gana parishad (AGP) which was a product of agitation of All Assam students union(AASU)
against the intrusion of foreigners into the assamese territory.

II) Political parties getting recognition due to association with movement

Movements played a vital role in emergence of BJP as the most popular national party today
only due to its association with the Ram Janma bhoomi movement that it got recognition and
was transformed into a major political party.

We could see from these examples that it were the historical circumstances of movements
which led to emergence of political party

The next thing we can infer is that political parties need to reform themselves constantly to
meet the demands of new times. The BJP was forced to keep its core ideological issues on
backburner as they were not accepted to its coalition partners. We can also see the impact of
time’s in evolution of the party. During 1990’s Mulayam Singh Yadav and Lalu Yadav were
against teaching of English and adoption of technologies saying it would destroy livelihood
of people. Their political parties and heirs Achilles Yadav and Tejaswi Yadav are now
adopting technology into their campaign. We can say that political parties and system in India
is constantly evolving to adapt to changing political conditions.

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Bibliography

Books

1) Partha Chatterjee, state and politics in India, Oxford University press, 1997

2) Bhagvan D. Dua, Presidential Rule in India, 1950-1974: A Study in crises in politics (New Delhi,
S.Chand, 1979

3) Bidyut Chakraborty, RK Pandey, Modern Indian Political Thought, SAGES PUBLICATION, 2009

4) Political science II, A text book of class XII, NCERT, 2007

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