Section Article

The Politics of Secularism: A Comparative Analysis of the Congress and BJP
Author(s): Dr. Vijay Khari

Abstract
This research analyses the divergent approaches to secularism embraced by Indias two prominent political parties the Indian National Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In India secularism which is protected by the Constitution is defined by the states impartial treatment of all faiths. Nevertheless the Congress party and the BJP have diverged greatly in their understanding and execution of this philosophy. The Congress party has always supported for a kind of secularism that prioritises the division between religion and state matters while also guaranteeing the rights and safeguarding the interests of minority groups. This approach has been shaped by its historical origins in the fight for independence and its dedication to a diverse society. On the other hand the BJP advocates for a kind of secularism that is closely linked to its Hindutva ideology which highlights the cultural supremacy of Hindu values in the public domain. This has resulted in an alternative understanding of secularism that sometimes questions the conventional concept of equal reverence for all faiths. The research examines the impact of different interpretations of secularism on party policy electoral tactics and social results. This analysis examines significant political events legislative actions and popular discourses to demonstrate the influence of these contrasting approaches on Indias social structure and political environment. This study seeks to illuminate the wider implications of the political philosophies of Congress and BJP for Indian democracy and communal peace by comparing their secularism policies.