The Bharatiya Jana Sangh was founded in 1951 by Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, with its lineage traced back to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Hindu Mahasabha. Its symbol was a 'Diya with a flame'.
The Socialist Party originated during the mass movement stage of the Indian National Congress in the pre-independence era. In 1934, a group of young leaders formed the Congress Socialist Party (CSP) within the Congress, seeking a more radical and egalitarian approach. Despite having a presence in many states, the Socialist Party faced disappointment due to limited electoral success. The Socialists differentiated themselves from both the Congress and the Communists by advocating democratic socialism. They criticized Congress for favouring capitalists and landlords while neglecting workers and peasants. Its symbol was a 'huge banyan tree'.
Originally the election symbol of the Congress was a 'yoked pair of bullocks'. In February 1978 Congress Party under Indira Gandhi chose the 'Palm of hand' as the symbol of the Congress Party. This was inspired by Hemambika Temple, Palakkad (Kerala). This symbol is used presently by the Indian National Congress.
The Communist Party of India (CPI): In the early 1920s, communist groups emerged in different parts of India, inspired by the Bolshevik revolution in Russia and advocating socialism as a solution. The CPI was formed on 26 December 1925 at the First Party Conference in Cawnpore (Kanpur). Initially, the Indian communist movement aimed to end British rule in India. From 1935, the Communists primarily worked within the Indian National Congress. A split occurred in December 1941 when the Communists decided to support the British in their war against Nazi Germany. Its symbol was a corn cob with a sickle. |
