BJP’s Triumph in Indian Politics: A Decade of Dominance and Beyond
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a dominant force in Indian political landscape for over a decade, has been at the helm of the nation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Since 2014, the BJP, in tandem with its allies, has governed the country effectively, marking a significant era in Indian political history.
History and Evolution
The BJP's journey in Indian politics is deeply entrenched in the nation's historical fabric. For centuries, the core of the BJP - the Brahmins - have had significant influence, albeit sometimes indirectly. This influence can be seen under various regimes, from the Gupta era to the British colonial period and the Congress party.
The BJP's rise to prominence as a ruling party in modern Indian politics began with little fanfare. It first formed part of the government under VP Singh in 1989, though their tenure was brief, lasting only a year. The BJP then rejuvenated itself under Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1998, forming the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which lasted for 13 months. In the subsequent term, Vajpayee led a full 5-year term, before a series of short stints under the BJP’s leadership.
Consecutive Terms and Dominance
Mr. Vajpayee's government came to power for the first time in 1996 but only lasted 13 days. The next full term in 1998 lasted 13 months, and the government faced a challenge when Jayalalitha withdrew her support. In 1999, the BJP formed a 4.5-year government under Vajpayee, but they decided to call early elections, which they lost. Thus, the NDA under the leadership of Vajpayee governed for a total of 13 months in two separate terms.
India witnessed a significant shift in 2014 when Narendra Modi led the BJP to an overwhelming victory. The BJP alone achieved a majority with 284 seats, marking a resounding 10-year victory. This was followed by a continuous term in 2019, where the BJP further strengthened its position, securing 334 seats in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of India's parliament. This term, currently ongoing, is being used by Modi to address various sensitive and critical issues.
Conclusion
The BJP has ruled India for a total of 12 years, with the most recent term stretching from 2014 till now. It is hoped that this trend will continue, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the BJP towards another 20 years of governance. The NDA government, with its strong majority, continues to navigate the complex challenges of Indian politics and governance.