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Founded in 1980, formed by Syama Prasad Mukherjee in 1951.
Wants to build a strong and modern India by drawing inspiration from India’s
ancient culture and values, and Deendayal Upadhyaya’s ideas of integral
humanism and Antyodaya.
Cultural nationalism (or ‘Hindutva’) is an important element in its conception
of Indian nationhood and politics.
Earlier limited to north and west and to urban areas, the party expanded its
support in the south, east, and the north-east and to rural areas.
Emerged as the largest party with 282 members in the 2014 Lok Sabha
elections.
4) Communist Party of India (CPI):
Formed in 1925. Believes in Marxism-Leninism, secularism and democracy.
Opposed to the forces of secessionism and communalism.
Accepts parliamentary democracy as a means of promoting the interests of
the working class, farmers and the poor.
Significant presence in the states of Kerala, West Bengal, Punjab, Andhra
Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
It secured less than 1 per cent votes and 1 seat in the 2014 Lok Sabha
elections.
5) Communist Party of India – Marxist (CPI-M):
Founded in 1964. Believes in Marxism-Leninism. Supports socialism,
secularism and democracy and opposes imperialism and communalism.
Accepts democratic elections as a useful and helpful means for securing the
objective of socio-economic justice in India.
Enjoys strong support in West Bengal, Kerala and Tripura.
The part was in power in West Bengal without a break for 34 years.
In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, it won about 3% of votes and 9 seats.
6) Indian National Congress (INC):
Popularly known as the Congress Party. One of the oldest parties of the
world. Founded in 1885 and has experienced many splits.
Under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru, the party sought to build a
modern secular democratic republic in India.
The ruling party at the centre till 1977 and then from 1980 to 1989. After
1989, its support declined, but it continues to be present throughout the
country.
The party’s main idea is to promote secularism and welfare of weaker
sections and minorities.

