The BJP's Transformation: From Opposition to Corporate Ally

A Shift in Political Ideology

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is currently perceived as a political entity that favors corporate interests, a sentiment echoed by both its supporters and critics. Advocates argue that this approach is essential for India's industrial growth, asserting that the government should not engage in business. Conversely, detractors accuse the party of succumbing to crony capitalism.

However, the BJP's journey to this stance is noteworthy, as it did not always align with such views. The party's evolution raises questions about its current policies compared to its earlier positions. The Congress party, for instance, underwent a significant internal debate before embracing liberalization, with leaders like Narasimha Rao facing challenges in implementing reforms.

Historically, the BJP, in its earlier form as the Jana Sangh, opposed the free-market principles it now endorses. The party once claimed that 'laissez-faire' was a concept belonging to an idealized past, advocating for state responsibility in economic management. In the mid-20th century, the Jana Sangh proposed limiting individual incomes and maintaining a strict income ratio, aiming to reduce economic disparities.

Additionally, the party was against mechanization in industries, preferring human labor over machines, and initially supported limited mechanization in agriculture. Their 1954 stance discouraged the use of tractors for regular farming, aiming to protect traditional farming methods.

On public sector matters, the Jana Sangh envisioned a balanced economic system that would not dismantle state enterprises while allowing private businesses to thrive. They promoted local industries through subsidies and tariffs while opposing the import of luxury goods. Labour rights were also a concern, with the party advocating against strikes and lockouts.

In 1957, the party hinted at introducing significant economic reforms aligned with Indian values, although specifics were lacking. By 1967, they supported a planned economy but emphasized localized planning and state intervention in select areas, while still encouraging private investment, particularly avoiding the defense sector.

A similar ideological shift is evident in the BJP's approach to civil liberties. Initially, the Jana Sangh sought to repeal amendments that restricted freedom of speech, but over time, this demand faded from their manifestos. The party's early promises to uphold individual liberties transformed into a more stringent stance on preventive detention, reflecting a significant ideological reversal.

The reasons behind these drastic shifts remain unclear. The Jana Sangh's original positions often seemed reactive to the Congress party's policies rather than based on a coherent ideological framework. As the Congress adapted its economic policies in 1991, the BJP followed suit, leading to the current political landscape.

By Aakar Patel