“Politicians and Diapers must be changed often, and for the same reason.” goes a popular quote by Mark Twain.
And if we think about it deeply, it is true. Indian democracy has witnessed many crests and troughs since independence. The country was mostly ruled by Congress (for 60 years). But somehow, BJP managed 2 successful terms of governance (Few months are still left, and I believe they will complete it).
But who was better?
BJP seeks for “Congress Mukt Bharat”. This is an evident truth. But India’s civilians love diversity, and they proved it in the respective states, by the poll results. The evaluation of both government’s rule is the need of the hour. So let us find out which party poses less threat to the nation.
In this Feeding Trends article, The UPA-I and UPA-II (2004-2014) performance will be considered and NDA (2014-2019) current ruling will be analyzed on various fronts.
Congress Ideology versus BJP Ideology
Congress ideology was once left-oriented. However, considering the vote bank possession, Congress shifted its ideology to centrist one. Presently, Congress believes neither in left extremism nor in right extremism.
Coming to BJP ideology, let me tell you that BJP was against pseudo-secularism. But as time passed, they became representatives of Hardcore-Hindutva. They began openly oppress minorities and are slowly moving towards extremist ideology. I hope you all remember the Una incident.
Congress versus BJP Institutional Damage
In Congress era, “CBI was called caged parrot”. However, in the BJP regime, ED and Income Tax department conducted raids on MLA’s from the opposition. But these inspections and raids occurred around election season, thus, it is quite suspicious.
The controversies hatched between top bureaucrats in CBI. RBI Governor resigned citing personal reasons, or there was any pressure from the government. Maybe, who knows?
Congress Rule versus BJP Rule
BJP rule had a brilliant display of talented leaders as anybody can rise to power in BJP if he has caliber. Undoubtedly, BJP has given 2 Prime-ministers to India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narendra Modi, whom generations will remember.
Contrary to this, Congress is severely plagued by nepotism. Congress has given 6 Prime Ministers to this country, out of which 3 were from Gandhi-Nehru Family. The next PM candidate from Congress is also a result of dynastic politics.
Congress Scams versus BJP Scams
Rafale (scam as alleged by Leaderof Opposition in scam) is the only one, in which BJP is taken over by the Leader of opposition. It is the only highlighted scam in BJP rule.
Congress is an ace in the scam. It has successfully carried a league of scams - Bofors, Coal-gate, 2-G Spectrum, Common Wealth Games, and many more, which weren’t lucky enough to get to the surface.
Congress GDP versus BJP GDP
The BJP government maintained the growth rate of 7.35% in term 2014-2018, while the Congress in its 10-year rule maintained the growth rate of 8.02% from 2004-2014. (Source- CSO)
Congress versus BJP Job Creation
Modi –G provided mere 2.7 lakh jobs during 2014-2016, while in Man Mohan Singh regime, the total jobs provided were 7.8 lakh (2009-2013). Source – Ministry of Labor and quarterly employment survey
Congress versus BJP Petrol and Diesel
In BJP rein, petrol and diesel were sold at 89.63 and 78.42 respectively in Mumbai. In Congress reign, petrol and diesel sold at 44.55 and 34.45 respectively in Mumbai. Source –IOC
Congress versus BJP MGNREGA Workdays
In Modi era the MGNREGA working days been 16.3. While during Man Mohan Singh era, the working days have been 45 days. Source - RBI
Congress versus BJP Rural Electrification
In Modi era, after the year 2014, 3% rural electrification happened. (2014-2018) In Man Mohan Singh rule, 97% of rural electrification was proceeded. (2004-2014) Source- Deccan Herald
Congress versus BJP Education
To prosper in the unemployment rate, BJP since 2014 consistently decreased the share of education expenses in Budget. In the year 2017-2018, the BJP government spent merely 3.71% of Central Budget.
In Man Mohan Singh era, the spending on education was more than that in the Modi era, but certainly not of any significant amount. Source – Deccan Herald
Congress versus BJP Rural Wage growth
In Modi Era, rural wage growth grew at 0%, yes you read correctly. In Man Mohan Singh era, rural wage grew by 38%. Source – RBI
The following indicators, in many ways, draws a clear picture of better governance. You can choose wisely and vote accordingly in the coming elections.
Wrapping it up, I must say that in many parameters Congress aces the BJP, but BJP is no way behind. For example, BJP doesn’t believe in the scam, but they do put an effort into manipulating autonomous institutions. This levels up everything.
But your vote must go to the person whom you want to be the leader. Although it is a tough choice to choose one amongst the two - one that believes in scam or one which aims to take all institution in control and run the nation on their whims and fancies, you have to choose.
Politics has some disadvantages, common to all!