Is it possible for Congress to counter the BJP’s narrative of nationalism?
Nationalism has ended up an imperative question in Indian politics, on which the political warfare between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (INC) continues. As the USA seems closer to the elections in 2025, the Congress birthday party is trying to redefine its understanding of nationalism so that it can counter the winning narrative of the BJP.
BJP’s nationalism: Syncretism of religious and cultural identity
With Prime Minister Narendra Modi at its helm, the BJP has fostered a nationalism that has been infused with Hindu religious symbols and cultural identification. Such a vision frames the birthday party as the mum or dad of India’s cultural and countrywide honor. The BJP’s focus on central authority, religious emotion, and symbols is an important aspect of its political strategy.
Congress reaction: Turning in the direction of inclusive nationalism
As against this, the Congress party has come up with a definition of nationalism that is drawn from India’s diversity and secularism. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, during the 2025 All India Congress Committee (AICC) meeting in Ahmedabad, referred to the BJP’s way as “false nationalism” and accused it of causing fragmentation in society and weakening the Constitution. The Congress resolution aims to make it apparent that real nationalism is tied to unity, social justice and safeguarding the rights of marginalised communities.
Politics of symbols and heritage: The question of Sardar Patel
Historical leaders are also important in this ideological battle. The Congress has attempted to reclaim the legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, noting that he turned into a Congressman at some stage in his life and his goal was the cohesion and secularism of India. The Congress charged that the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) have manipulated Patel’s legacy to their political advantage, in spite of the fact that Patel had prohibited the RSS following the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi.
Challenges to Congress
In spite of the endeavor by the Congress, it is confronted with the following challenges:
- Electoral performance: BJP’s repeated electoral victories consolidate its narrative of nationalism and push opposition voices to the periphery.
- Media impact: BJP’s effective utilisation of media and social media boosts its message, and it becomes difficult for the Congress to be heard.
- Internal unity: Internal conflicts in Congress and struggles between leadership undermine its ability to deliver a joint response on ideological matters.
Way forward
For the Congress to reach difficult the BJP’s narrative of nationalism, the following want to be completed:
- Strengthen nearby connections: By connecting with humans at the neighborhood stage, the Congress can control toach the hundreds with its regulations.
- Growing digital footprint: Through social media and digital platforms, the Congress can extend its message and overcome the influence of the BJP.
- Advocating for inclusive policies: Policies that advance social justice, economic equality, and religious harmony would align with the vision of nationalism for the Congress.
Conclusion
The struggle of the discourse of nationalism between the Congress and the BJP is not an empty political conflict, but a part of figuring out India’s identification. The vision of the BJP is based on religious and cultural identity, whereas the imaginative and prescient of the Congress is targeted on inclusiveness and diversity. The 2025 elections will decide the trajectory of Indian politics and society due to this ideological warfare.
Recent News Updates
- Congress Slams Modi’s Bikaner Rally Speech: On May 22, 2025, the Congress party charged Prime Minister Narendra Modi with speaking “empty filmi dialogues” at his rally in Bikaner, Rajasthan, instead of addressing serious countrywide protection worries.
- BJP draws flak over minister’s offensive commentary: Madhya Pradesh tribal affairs minister Vijay Shah currently made an offensive remark against Colonel Sofia Qureshi, and then the BJP kingdom unit has disassociated itself from Shah and is anticipating a hearing inside the Supreme Court on May 28. Murshidabad Municipal clashes will affect the following elections : May 22, 2025 BJP -state president Sukanta Majumdar said that the current municipal clashes in Murshidabad will affect the later meeting elections, and it can lead to a major change in politics nearby.
