For most of the period between 1950 -- when India first became a republic -- and the late 1980s , the Congress held a majority in the parliament .
The Congress is considered centre - left in Indian political culture , and the BJP right - wing .
For most of the period between 1950 -- when Indian first became a republic -- and the late 1980s , the Congress held a majority in the parliament .
The Congress is considered centre - left in Indian political culture , and the BJP right - wing .