BJP vs. Congress — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on October 22, 2023
BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) is a right-wing party in India, emphasizing nationalism. Congress (Indian National Congress) is a center-left party, focusing on secularism and social justice.
Difference Between BJP and Congress
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
While the BJP emerged prominently in the late 20th century, advocating for a strong, centralized governance, Congress, since the pre-independence era, has generally favored a mix of central and state powers.
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Economically, the BJP usually promotes neoliberal policies, focusing on free-market principles. Contrastingly, Congress often leans towards socialistic and welfare-oriented economic policies.
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BJP, or Bharatiya Janata Party, has its roots deeply embedded in Indian nationalism. Congress, or Indian National Congress, historically, has been pivotal in India’s struggle for independence.
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BJP often aligns its policies with a pro-Hindu stance, ensuring a strong nationalist perspective. On the other side, Congress tends to adopt a secular approach, with policies inclusive of all religions.
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In foreign policy, BJP typically takes a firm stance, particularly concerning neighboring countries. Congress traditionally approaches foreign relations with a balanced and often non-aligned perspective.
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Comparison Chart
Historical Origin
Emerged in Late 20th Century
Foundational in Indian Independence
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Definitions
BJP
A party that generally supports neoliberal economic policies.
BJP has implemented several free-market reforms.
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Congress
Generally leans towards socialistic and welfare-oriented economic policies.
Congress has implemented numerous social welfare schemes.
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BJP
Bharatiya Janata Party, a major political party in India.
The BJP won the general elections in 2014.
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Congress
Known for its secular and inclusive policies.
Congress has often propagated policies embracing all religions.
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BJP
Often recognized for its assertive foreign policy.
BJP has taken a stringent stance against neighboring countries.
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Congress
Traditionally adopts a non-aligned and balanced foreign policy.
Congress has maintained a non-aligned stance in global affairs.
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BJP
A party that emerged as a prominent political force in the late 20th century.
BJP came into the spotlight during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.
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Congress
A party integral to India's independence movement.
Leaders from the Congress were pivotal in negotiating India’s independence.
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BJP
Known for its right-wing and nationalist policies.
BJP advocates for the promotion of Hindu cultural ideals.
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Congress
Indian National Congress, one of India’s oldest political parties.
Congress played a significant role in India’s struggle for independence.
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Congress
A formal assembly of representatives, as of various nations, to discuss problems.
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Congress
The national legislative body of the United States, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
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Congress
The two-year session of this legislature between elections of the House of Representatives.
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Congress
A formal gathering or assembly; a conference held to discuss or decide on a specific question.
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Congress
A legislative body of a state, originally the bicameral legislature of the United States of America.
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Congress
An association, especially one consisting of other associations or representatives of interest groups.
The National Congress of American Indians
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Congress
A meeting of individuals, whether friendly or hostile; an encounter.
Here Pallas urges on, and Lausus there;Their congress in the field great Jove withstands.
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Congress
A sudden encounter; a collision; a shock; - said of things.
From these laws may be deduced the rules of the congresses and reflections of two bodies.
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Congress
The coming together of a male and female in sexual commerce; the act of coition.
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Congress
A formal assembly, as of princes, deputies, representatives, envoys, or commissioners; esp., a meeting of the representatives of several governments or societies to consider and determine matters of common interest.
The European powers strove to . . . accommodate their differences at the congress of Vienna.
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Congress
The collective body of senators and representatives of the people of a nation, esp. of a republic, constituting the chief legislative body of the nation.
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Congress
The lower house of the Spanish Cortes, the members of which are elected for three years.
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Congress
The act of sexual procreation between a man and a woman; the man's penis is inserted into the woman's vagina and excited until orgasm and ejaculation occur
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FAQs
Who was the founder of Congress?
Congress was founded by A.O. Hume in 1885.
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What does Congress refer to in the Indian context?
The Indian National Congress.
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Does BJP promote free-market policies?
Yes, BJP tends to support neoliberal economic policies.
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Which party is typically considered more right-leaning, BJP or Congress?
BJP is considered more right-leaning than Congress.
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What is a major ideological belief of BJP?
BJP often aligns with Hindu nationalism.
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What is BJP’s stance towards Pakistan?
BJP generally adopts a firm and assertive stance towards Pakistan.
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Who is a prominent leader of BJP?
As of the last update, Narendra Modi is a prominent leader of BJP.
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Which economic policy does Congress generally favor?
Congress often favors socialistic and welfare-oriented policies.
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Is Congress secular or religious?
Congress is generally considered secular.
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Does Congress promote secularism?
Yes, Congress typically promotes secularism.
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Who is a well-known leader of Congress?
Rahul Gandhi is a well-known leader of Congress.
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Which party has been in power more frequently in India, BJP or Congress?
Historically, Congress has been in power more frequently.
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In terms of foreign policy, how does Congress generally operate?
Congress traditionally adopts a balanced and often non-aligned stance in foreign policy.
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Author Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
