Section Article

The Politics of Secularism: A Comparative Analysis of the Congress and BJP
Author(s): Jeevan Prasad

Abstract
The concept of secularism in India has evolved as a central tenet of political discourse constitutional interpretation and governance practices. Post-independence secularism has been conceptualized not only as the separation of religion and state but also as a framework for ensuring equal treatment of diverse religious communities. This study examines the comparative approach of the two dominant national parties the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) toward secularism highlighting ideological underpinnings policy frameworks electoral strategies and socio-political outcomes. Utilizing secondary data from 2018 to 2020 including peer-reviewed journals political analyses government publications and media reports this research investigates how both parties interpret operationalize and politicize secularism in contemporary India. The analysis reveals that the Congress has traditionally emphasized inclusive secularism rooted in constitutional pluralism minority protection and welfare-oriented policies whereas the BJP promotes a majoritarian framework often intertwined with Hindutva ideology which redefines the boundaries of secular engagement. Key findings indicate that party-specific interpretations of secularism influence legislative priorities policy interventions social cohesion and electoral mobilization leading to divergent governance outcomes and debates over religious identity in public life. By comparing ideological narratives legislative behavior and policy initiatives the study provides a nuanced understanding of the politics of secularism in India highlighting the challenges of reconciling constitutional mandates with political realities and the implications for democratic governance minority rights and social integration.