1. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)

Founded: 1980 (originated from Bharatiya Jana Sangh, 1951)

Symbol: Lotus 🌸

Ideology: Right-wing, Hindu nationalism, cultural nationalism, economic liberalism

Key Leaders: Narendra Modi (PM), Amit Shah, J.P. Nadda

Headquarters: New Delhi

Highlights:

Currently the ruling party at the Centre (since 2014).

Strong presence across almost all Indian states.

Focuses on nationalism, infrastructure development, and global diplomacy.

🇮🇳 2. Indian National Congress (INC)

Founded: 1885

Symbol: Hand ✋

Ideology: Centre-left, secularism, democratic socialism, social justice

Key Leaders: Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge (current president)

Headquarters: New Delhi

Highlights:

Oldest political party in India.

Led India to independence.

Ruled for most of India’s post-independence years until 2014.

Promotes welfare policies and inclusive governance.

🇮🇳 3. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)

Founded: 1984 by Kanshi Ram

Symbol: Elephant 🐘

Ideology: Dalit empowerment, social justice, Ambedkarite politics

Key Leader: Mayawati

Headquarters: New Delhi

Highlights:

Represents Dalits, Scheduled Castes, and other marginalized communities.

Strong presence in Uttar Pradesh.

Advocates for caste equality and affirmative action.

🇮🇳 4. Communist Party of India (CPI)

Founded: 1925

Symbol: Ears of Corn & Sickle 🌾

Ideology: Marxism-Leninism, socialism, secularism

Key Leaders: D. Raja (current General Secretary)

Headquarters: New Delhi

Highlights:

One of the oldest leftist parties in India.

Focuses on labor rights, farmer welfare, and anti-globalization.

Influence has declined but still relevant in parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

🇮🇳 5. Communist Party of India – Marxist (CPI-M)

Founded: 1964 (split from CPI)

Symbol: Hammer, Sickle & Star 🔨🌾⭐

Ideology: Marxism-Leninism, socialism

Key Leaders: Sitaram Yechury

Headquarters: New Delhi

Highlights:

Historically powerful in West Bengal, Kerala, and Tripura.

Supports workers' rights, public sector, land reforms.

Runs a coalition called the Left Front.

🇮🇳 6. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)

Founded: 1999 (split from INC)

Symbol: Clock 🕒

Ideology: Centre to centre-left, secularism, democracy

Key Leaders: Sharad Pawar, Supriya Sule, Ajit Pawar

Headquarters: Mumbai

Highlights:

Prominent in Maharashtra and Goa.

Often forms alliances with Congress or other secular parties.

Focuses on agriculture, federalism, and welfare policies.

🇮🇳 7. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)

Founded: 2012 by Arvind Kejriwal and activists from the anti-corruption movement

Symbol: Broom 🧹

Ideology: Anti-corruption, transparency, good governance, pro-people policies

Key Leaders: Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia

Headquarters: New Delhi

Highlights:

Rules Delhi and Punjab.

Gained popularity due to its work in education, healthcare, and public services.

Recognized as a national party in 2023 due to electoral success.