What is the Difference Between VHP and BJP of India?

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The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are both organizations associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), a right-wing Hindu nationalist movement in India. However, there are key differences between the two:

  • Nature: The VHP is a non-political organization, while the BJP is a political party.
  • Focus: The VHP is dedicated to uniting Hindus under a strong platform and propagating Hindu Dharma, while the BJP, as a national party, advocates nationalism.
  • Formation: The VHP was founded in 1964, whereas the BJP was formed in 1980.

Both the VHP and the BJP share similar ideologies, as they are part of the broader RSS umbrella. The BJP beliefs in strong Indian nationalism and ancient Hindu culture, with a focus on national defense. While the VHP and BJP are autonomous and independent of each other, the RSS's control over both organizations is firm.

Comparative Table: VHP vs BJP of India

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are both Hindu nationalist organizations in India, but they differ in their structure and roles. Here is a table comparing the differences between VHP and BJP:

Feature VHP BJP
Nature of Organization Non-political outfit formed in 1964 Political party formed in 1980 as the political wing of Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS)
Objective To unite Hindus under a strong platform and propagate, consolidate, and strengthen Hindu Dharma To carry forward the aim of nationalism and making India a Hindu nation
Relation to RSS Both VHP and BJP are part of the RSS umbrella, sharing the same ideology RSS is the parent organization of BJP
Influence on BJP VHP does not directly influence the running of BJP RSS does not directly influence the running of BJP, but most BJP members are also RSS members, leading to similarities in views
Stance on Conversions Dead against conversions and seeks to bring back those who have converted from Hinduism Supports VHP's stance on conversions
Political Affiliation Non-political Political party with elected representatives in various levels of government

In summary, both VHP and BJP share the same ideology as part of the RSS umbrella, but VHP is a non-political outfit focused on uniting Hindus and strengthening Hindu Dharma, while BJP is a political party advocating for nationalism and the establishment of a Hindu nation in India.