In election campaign speeches, BJP leaders often perpetuate the myth that Congress did nothing for India during its decades in power. They ignore Congress’s achievements in space exploration, social justice, healthcare, and infrastructure development. By repeating this misleading narrative, BJP leaders simplify India’s complex history, undermining the significant contributions that shaped modern India under Congress’s leadership.
In the grand political theater that is Indian democracy, few narratives have been as persistently flogged as the BJP’s assertion that the Congress party did “nothing” for the country during its decades in power. It’s a tantalizingly simplistic story, particularly favored by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders, and it conveniently glosses over the complexities and nuances of India’s political and developmental journey. Let’s roll up our sleeves, don our debunking hats, and take a fact-laden stroll through the archives to set the record straight.
A Journey from Independence
First, a little context. India’s tryst with destiny began in 1947, and the Congress party was at the helm of this nascent nation’s ship for much of its early history. Steering a country recovering from the ravages of colonial rule and partition was no mean feat, akin to building an airplane while flying it. Yet, Congress did more than just keep the plane from crashing; it built the very institutions that form the backbone of modern India.
Agricultural Transformations
Let’s start with the economic domain. Remember the Green Revolution? That wasn’t a fairy tale, but a real transformation that took India from the brink of 
famine to self-sufficiency in food grains, orchestrated under the aegis of Congress leadership. Lal Bahadur Shastri and Indira Gandhi played pivotal roles here, turning India from a “begging bowl” into a “breadbasket.” This revolution introduced high-yielding variety seeds and improved irrigation practices, dramatically increasing agricultural productivity and ensuring food security for millions.
Then there’s the White Revolution, led by Verghese Kurien, fondly known as the Milkman of India. The Congress-backed Operation Flood turned India into the world’s largest milk producer, a dairy success story that filled millions of children’s bellies and farmers’ wallets alike. These aren’t just achievements; they’re miracles of policy and perseverance. The cooperative movement, particularly the success of the Amul brand, is a direct outcome of these visionary policies.
Industrial Foundations
On the industrial front, how about a nod to the Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs)? Institutions like Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), 
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) were established under Congress rule. These PSEs became the bedrock of India’s industrial might, generating jobs, and spurring economic growth at a time when private capital was scarce and wary. Adding to the list are Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), and National Aluminum Company Limited (NALCO), which further solidified India’s industrial landscape.
Educational Excellence
Education and research? Let’s take a detour to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), and the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). 
These premier institutions were established under the Congress regime and have since become the beacons of excellence in their respective fields, churning out globally competitive engineers, managers, and doctors. Institutions like Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) have broadened higher education access, while the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) have propelled academic and agricultural research forward.
Scientific and Technological Advancements
But wait, there’s more! The Space Research programme, under the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO),
wasn’t handed down by extraterrestrials. Pioneers like Vikram Sarabhai, supported by successive Congress governments, laid the groundwork for what would become a world-renowned space program, culminating in missions like Chandrayan and Mangalyaan that made global headlines. Aryabhata, India’s first satellite, and Asia’s first remote sensing satellite IRS-1A are milestones of ISRO’s illustrious journey.
In the realm of nuclear energy, the Congress government’s efforts led to the establishment of India as a nuclear power with the “Smiling Buddha” test in 1974. This was a pivotal moment that demonstrated India’s scientific capabilities and strategic intent. The Civil Nuclear Energy Deal signed under Manmohan Singh’s tenure further cemented India’s place in the global nuclear community, ensuring a stable supply of nuclear fuel for energy production.
Social Justice and Reforms
Now, let’s not ignore the strides in social justice. The Congress party, with leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and later Rajiv Gandhi, championed the cause of 
secularism and social reforms. The abolition of untouchability, land reforms, and the establishment of the Panchayati Raj institutions under the 73rd and 74th amendments were monumental steps in empowering the marginalized and decentralizing governance. These amendments empowered local self-governments, ensuring grassroots participation in democracy and development.
The Congress also played a crucial role in implementing the Right to Education (RTE) Act, ensuring free and compulsory education for children between the ages of 6 and 14. This act has been instrumental in increasing literacy rates and educational opportunities for underprivileged children across the country.
Healthcare Initiatives
Health? The Congress-led governments launched ambitious programs like the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), aimed at improving healthcare delivery across rural India. The implementation of large-scale vaccination drives, the eradication of diseases like smallpox, and the fight against polio also unfolded under their watch. The establishment of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) ensured top-tier medical education and healthcare services.
Additionally, the introduction of schemes like the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) provided health insurance to the unorganized sector workers, significantly enhancing their access to quality healthcare services.
Infrastructure Development
Speaking of infrastructure, the Congress era saw the conceptualization and construction of major projects like the Bhakra Nangal Dam and the establishment of the Indian Railways network as we know it today. These weren’t just concrete and steel; they were the arteries through which the lifeblood of economic activity flowed. Institutions like the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and the Fertilizer Corporation of India (FCI) played crucial roles in energy and agricultural productivity, respectively.
The establishment of the Border Security Force (BSF) in 1965 and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) in 1969 under Congress rule significantly strengthened India’s internal security apparatus, ensuring the safety and stability necessary for economic and social development.
Cultural Milestones
Culturally, Congress-led initiatives like the establishment of the National School of Drama, Sangeet Natak Akademi, and the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) have been pivotal in promoting and preserving India’s rich artistic heritage. 
These institutions have nurtured generations of artists, actors, and filmmakers, contributing to India’s vibrant cultural landscape.
In the realm of environmental conservation, the Congress government launched Project Tiger in 1973, aimed at conserving the dwindling tiger population. This project has been instrumental in reviving tiger numbers and preserving India’s wildlife heritage.
Robust Democratic Institutions
It’s also worth mentioning India’s robust democratic institutions. The Election Commission of India, the Planning Commission, now replaced by NITI Aayog, and the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India were either established or significantly strengthened during Congress regimes. These i
nstitutions ensured that India’s democracy not only survived but thrived in a turbulent world.
The Congress party’s tenure was not without its missteps and failures, of course. Every long-standing party has its share of blemishes, and the Congress is no exception. Corruption scandals, emergency imposition, and periodic economic crises marked its rule. But to dismiss its contributions wholesale is akin to ignoring the forest for the trees.
Economic Reforms and Modernization
In the 1990s, facing an economic crisis, the Congress government led by P.V. Narasimha Rao and Finance Minister Manmohan Singh introduced sweeping economic reforms. These reforms liberalized the Indian economy, opening it up to global markets, reducing bureaucratic red tape, and encouraging foreign investment. The impact of these reforms was profound, ushering in an era of rapid economic growth and modernization that transformed India into one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
Bank nationalization in 1969 under Indira Gandhi’s leadership ensured financial inclusion, bringing banking services to rural and underprivileged sections of society. This move was instrumental in mobilizing resources for development and empowering millions of Indians economically.
Technological Advancements
The launch of the internet services by Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited (VSNL) in 1995 was another landmark achievement under Congress rule, 
heralding the dawn of the digital age in India. This initiative laid the foundation for India’s emergence as a global IT powerhouse, creating opportunities for millions of tech professionals and entrepreneurs.
Social Security and Welfare Programs
Social security and welfare programs have also been a significant focus for Congress. The introduction of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) provided a safety net for rural households, guaranteeing 100 days of employment and empowering rural communities economically.
The Right to Information (RTI) Act, passed in 2005, brought transparency and accountability to governance, empowering citizens to seek information about government functioning and decisions. This act has been a critical tool in the fight against corruption and in promoting good governance.
The Food Security Act, aimed at providing subsidized food grains to approximately two-thirds of India’s population, was another milestone in ensuring food security and addressing hunger and malnutrition. The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, launched in 2001, has been instrumental in universalizing elementary education and improving the quality of education across the country.
A Balanced Perspective
In sum, the narrative that the Congress party did “nothing” for India is not just a myth; it’s a masterclass in selective amnesia. From revolutionizing agriculture and industry to building educational and healthcare infrastructure, from launching India’s space odyssey to nurturing its democratic institutions, the Congress’s legacy is interwoven
with the fabric of modern India.
So, next time you hear the oft-repeated trope that Congress achieved zilch in 70 years, take a moment to reflect on these monumental achievements. It’s a rich tapestry of progress and pitfalls, of visionary policies and regrettable blunders. But one thing is certain: the Congress party’s contributions to India’s nation-building are neither negligible nor forgettable. They’re etched in the annals of history, for anyone willing to look beyond the political rhetoric and appreciate the nuanced reality of India’s journey.
India’s journey since independence has been a complex and multifaceted one, with contributions from various political entities and leaders. While the BJP’s narrative simplifies the story to fit its political agenda, the true picture is one of collaborative nation-building, with Congress playing a pivotal role in laying the foundations and nurturing the growth of modern India. Recognizing this balanced perspective is essential for appreciating the rich and diverse history of India’s progress and development.