The Indian National Congress had unique political achievements. The Congress dominated the Indian political scene from 1947–1967. The factors responsible for its dominance are -
(1) National Clash of Heritage: The Congress Party got a huge and rich legacy from the nationalist struggle. This brought political harmony in his goodwill. Party leaders like Nehru and Shastri were popular enough to spend years in jail and others were deprived. The legacy of the nationalist movement helped to create harmony and unity in view of the party's internal plurality.
(2) Grassroots Organization: Congress was the only grassroots Organization that existed at the time of its existence. Its federal structure had the basis of internal democracy. This helped resolve internal fights and cement party reconciliation. Internal party elections served as a means to legitimize party leadership and to train party workers in the skills of political leadership. This helped to reward mobile members.
(3) Adjustment to local conditions: Congress is dominated by being competent in local conditions. The nobility fully descended to power within the Congress. Internal democracy in the party and the electoral gains of the Congress helped the Congress adjust to changes in the local balance of power. Furthermore, the broad base allowed the Congress to include successful opposition leaders in its fold. It acts as a channel to inform the party hierarchy about local conditions.
(4) Attract new supporters: With the expansion of the development role of the state, the resources that could be distributed to party members also increased. A growing pool of resources and opportunities enhanced Congressional ability to accommodate conflicts among its members. The party reaped the benefits of a virtuous cycle in which electoral gains gave political supporters access to gain new supporters.
