Why Do Political Parties Fail to Embrace Their Core Beliefs in India?

The debate over the openness of political parties to articulate their core beliefs has been a contentious topic, especially in the context of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its claims of Hindutva. BJP has often highlighted its well-defined core values, which differ from those of other major parties in India. However, the question remains: why do other political parties fall short in this regard?

The Secularism of the Congress Party

The Congress Party, with its core value of secularism, has faced criticism from the BJP, which accuses it of promoting 'pseudo-secularism' and 'minority appeasement'. This emphasis on secularism, while resonant with many in India, has not translated into a clear and comprehensive discourse from the party leadership. The lack of clarity and consistency in articulating their values has led to confusion and criticism, especially when compared to the BJP’s clear and defined ideology of Hindutva.

Communists and the Working Class

The Communist parties in India emphasize social justice and the interests of the working class. Despite their dedication to these causes, their ability to articulate these core beliefs in a way that resonates with the broader populace has been a challenge. This lack of clarity and effective communication is often overshadowed by other political dynamics. The Communist Party of India (Marxist), for instance, faces internal debates and external pressures that complicate their ability to convey their core values openly.

BSP and the Lower Castes

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) focuses on reducing social inequalities and promoting the rights of lower castes. While its core value of justice is crucial, the party often struggles to communicate this effectively to those outside its base. The challenges arise from the diverse and often fragmented interests within the lower castes, which can dilute the party’s message. This difficulty in articulating a clear and unified core belief has affected its broader appeal and impact.

Regional Parties and Personal Ambition

Regional parties often have a limited geographic scope and their goals can be personal ambitions rather than broader principles. These parties may not focus on core beliefs in the same way as national parties. Instead, their primary goal is to secure regional power and address specific regional issues. This focus on local issues sometimes leads to a lack of cohesion and a clear overarching set of core beliefs.

Judicious Ambiguity and Fear of Alienation

One key reason for the lack of clarity in articulating core beliefs among most political parties is the fear of alienating a significant portion of the electorate. The BJP has consistently benefited from its strong stand on Hindutva, which resonates with a large segment of the population. Other parties, however, often find that their core values may not be as widely accepted, leading them to remain more ambiguous to avoid alienating potential voters.

The Case of BJP's Success

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with its core belief in Hindutva, has found success in articulating its values. The BJP's strong stance on Hindutva addresses the concerns of a majority of Indians, who consider Hinduism an integral part of their national identity. The cultural and religious support for the BJP has enabled it to build a strong base and gain political power through this core belief. Other parties, however, have historically struggled to articulate their values clearly, leading to confusion and criticism.

Secularism vs. Hindutva

The debate between secularism and Hindutva is a significant aspect of Indian politics. The Congress Party, which advocates for secularism, often faces criticism for allegedly favoring minority appeasement. The term 'pseudo-secularism' implies a lack of credible implementation of secular values. This ambiguity leaves the Congress Party in a challenging position, as it must balance its ideological principles with the realities of India's diverse religious landscape.

Criticism of the BJP

While the BJP has been successful in promoting Hindutva, it still faces significant challenges. Internal consolidation of its base, particularly the 'true-blues', is not yet complete. This creates a challenge for the BJP in defining its ideology clearly and consistently. Moreover, the government's policies, such as the continued sole policing of the middle class and the push for an 'acche din', have come under scrutiny. The recent slogan 'aa gaye' moving to 'aayenge' (will come) has raised questions about the government's effectiveness. The possibility of using the NOTA (None of the Above) button in elections could further complicate matters. Certain opportunists within the ranks of the BJP who seek personal gains over the party's long-term objectives could also pose a threat.

The Future of Political Ideologies in India

As India's political landscape continues to evolve, the articulation of core beliefs by political parties will remain a critical factor. The BJP’s success in defining and promoting its ideological foundations serves as a benchmark for other parties. However, the challenges of articulating core beliefs, managing diverse and often fragmented bases, and navigating the complexities of Indian democracy will continue to shape the political discourse in the country.

The future lies in the ability of political parties to find a balance between their core values and the practical realities of Indian politics. While the BJP has taken a clear stand, other parties must find their voice and articulate their beliefs in a way that resonates with the broader population. The path forward will be marked by ongoing debates, evolving policies, and the continuous struggle to define and redefine political ideologies.