India’s political landscape is rich and diverse, shaped by a wide spectrum of ideologies and leadership. The Indian National Congress, founded in 1885, was pivotal in India’s freedom movement and post-independence governance.

 Over time, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as its primary rival, rooted in nationalist ideology and gaining major national influence since 2014. In recent years, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) brought a fresh wave of anti-corruption and governance-focused politics, especially in urban India. Alongside these national players, several regional parties like the Trinamool Congress, Bahujan Samaj Party, Samajwadi Party, and DMK have played key roles in representing regional aspirations and influencing coalition governments. Understanding the origin, evolution, and ideological journey of these parties offers crucial insight into the functioning of the world’s largest democracy.