BJP AS A DOMINANT POLITICAL PARTY IN INDIA
Introduction
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has emerged as a dominant political force in India, shaping its political
landscape significantly since the 2014 general elections. This dominance has been characterized by its
extensive electoral success, ideological consolidation, and the transformation of India’s political dynamics
into what many scholars describe as the Fourth Party System.
Context and Rise to Dominance
• The BJP’s dominance began with a historic victory in the 2014 general elections, where it secured 282
Lok Sabha seats, marking the first single-party majority in India since 1984.
• The party capitalized on strong anti-incumbency sentiments against the Congress-led United
Progressive Alliance (UPA), widespread economic challenges, and corruption scandals.
• Narendra Modi’s leadership and his projection of the "Gujarat model of development" played a
pivotal role in consolidating support for the BJP.
Key Factors Contributing to BJP’s Dominance
1. Electoral Strategy and Organization
The BJP has leveraged a highly efficient party machinery supported by its ideological parent organization,
the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). It has employed modern election techniques, including data
analytics, social media outreach, and grassroots mobilization through volunteers.
2. Ideological Positioning
The BJP has effectively blended Hindutva (Hindu nationalism) with a development agenda, resonating
with diverse voter segments. Its ability to appeal to a broad social coalition, including traditionally
marginalized groups like OBCs and Dalits, has expanded its voter base.
3. Leadership and Centralized Campaigning
Narendra Modi’s charismatic leadership has been central to the BJP’s appeal. The party has focused
heavily on centralized leadership, with Modi and Amit Shah being pivotal figures in decision-making and
electoral strategies.
4. Weak Opposition
The Congress’s decline in organizational strength and its inability to present a coherent alternative have
benefited the BJP. Fragmentation among regional parties has further allowed the BJP to consolidate its
position at the national level.
5. Strategic Alliances
Through pre-poll alliances and coalition-building within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the BJP
has extended its electoral reach in states where it traditionally lacked a presence.
Electoral Performance
The BJP’s dominance extends to both national and state levels:
• 2014 and 2019 General Elections: The BJP not only increased its vote share (31.3% in 2014 to 37.4%
in 2019) but also secured significant majorities in the Lok Sabha.
• 2024 General Elections: The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) retained its majority in the
Lok Sabha, securing 293 seats. The party achieved 36.56% of the vote share, reflecting a slight decline
from its 2019 performance.
• State Assembly Elections: Between 2014 and 2018, the BJP gained control over 21 states, reflecting
its territorial expansion.
Transforming India’s Political Landscape
➢ Shift to the Fourth Party System
Scholars argue that the BJP’s rise marks the beginning of the Fourth Party System, replacing the Congress
as the "system-defining" party in Indian politics. Unlike the earlier Congress dominance, the BJP’s support
base is territorially uneven, concentrated in the Hindi belt, the West, and increasingly in the East and
Northeast.
➢ Decline of Regional and Cross-Regional Parties
The BJP has systematically reduced the influence of regional parties by winning direct contests in states
like Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
➢ Centralization of Power
The BJP-led government under Modi has been marked by strong centralization, with decisive leadership
and a focus on flagship national policies like Swachh Bharat, Digital India, and the abrogation of Article
370.
Challenges and Criticism
➢ Regional and Southern Resistance: The BJP’s dominance is less pronounced in Southern states,
where regional parties remain strong. States like Kerala and Tamil Nadu continue to resist the BJP’s
ideological and political narratives.
➢ Economic and Social Concerns: Critics argue that the BJP’s policies have contributed to economic
disparities, rising unemployment, and social polarization.
➢ Dependence on Leadership: The BJP’s strong reliance on Narendra Modi raises concerns about the
sustainability of its dominance in a post-Modi era.
