The BJP and CDU are both dominant conservative parties within their respective political systems. The BJP's platform is more nationalistic and religious, while the CDU aims to be a broad-based, catch-all party with Christian-democratic values. The BJP has a significantly larger membership and is currently the ruling party in India, while the CDU leads the federal government in Germany.
| Attribute | India Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) | Germany Christian Democratic Union (CDU) |
|---|---|---|
| Name | India Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) | Germany Christian Democratic Union (CDU) |
| Ideology | Conservative, right-wing, Hindutva, integral humanism | Christian democracy and German conservatism. The party claims to represent Christian-social, liberal, and conservative elements. |
| Electoral Base | Higher castes, northern India, middle class (particularly upper castes) | The CDU aims to be a "catch-all party" representing a broad range of the population. It historically united Catholics and Protestants, conservatives and liberals. |
| Party Leader | J. P. Nadda (President), Narendra Modi (Prime Minister), Amit Shah | Friedrich Merz has been the federal chairman since January 31, 2022. He has also served as Chancellor of Germany since May 6, 2025. |
| Current Government Role | Ruling party in India since 2014; BJP alliance governs 17 Indian states and union territories (as of December 2023) | The CDU leads the federal government in a grand coalition with the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD). Friedrich Merz was elected Chancellor on May 6, 2025. |
| Historical Performance | Originated from Bharatiya Jana Sangh (1951); Formally established in 1980; Largest party in Parliament in 1996; NDA government led by Vajpayee (1999-2004); Landslide victory in 2014 led by Narendra Modi; 2024 BJP-led coalition secured a majority, and Narendra Modi was sworn in for a third term as Prime Minister. | The CDU is one of the most successful parties in post-war Germany. It has led the federal government for extended periods: 1949-1969, 1982-1998, and 2005-2021. Key figures include Chancellors Konrad Adenauer, Helmut Kohl, and Angela Merkel. |
| Key Policies | Hindutva, neoliberal economic policy (prioritizing globalization and economic growth), 'one nation, one poll,' common electoral rolls, abolishing waiting lists for train travel, organizing Ramayan festivals worldwide | The CDU supports a free-market economy, limited social-welfare programs, and close relations with the United States. They advocate for tax cuts, industrial subsidies and deregulation to stimulate economic activity. The CDU also aims to strengthen NATO commitments and increase defense spending. |
| Coalition Partners | National Democratic Alliance (NDA) | Currently, the CDU's main coalition partner is the Social Democratic Party (SPD). Historically, they have also formed coalitions with the Free Democratic Party (FDP). |
| Financial Strength | Rs 4,340.47 crore earnings for fiscal year 2023 20132024 | In its early years, the CDU depended on large institutional contributions rather than membership dues. |
| Public Image | Broad support among higher castes and in northern India; Backlash after demolition of Babri Masjid in 1992 | The CDU is traditionally seen as the strongest party in Germany. However, it has faced challenges adapting to a changing electorate and the rise of populist alternatives. |
| Organizational Structure | Hierarchical, cadre-based (drawing from RSS ideology) | The CDU has a federal structure with state associations. Key organs include the Federal Party Congress, Federal Committee, and Federal Executive Committee. The National Board is the highest permanent governing body. |
| Membership Size | Nearly 18 crore in 2019; Aimed to enroll 10 crore new members in 2024 | In 2024, the CDU had 363,100 members. |
| International Affiliations | International Democratic Union (since 2016) | The CDU is a member of the Centrist Democrat International, the International Democracy Union, and the European People's Party (EPP). It is the largest party in the EPP. |
| Pros | Strong organizational abilities, Strategic planning, Effective campaigner, Prioritized globalization and economic growth | Historically successful party in post-war Germany, Led Germany during key periods (reconstruction, European integration, reunification), Aims to be a catch-all party representing a broad range of interests, Supports a free-market economy |
| Cons | Demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992 caused a major backlash | Faces challenges adapting to a changing electorate, Public image impacted by the rise of populist alternatives |