Bhartiya Janta Party, is one of the major political parties in India. It’s known for its ideology of Hindutva, which emphasizes the cultural and religious heritage of India’s majority Hindu population. The party advocates for nationalism, social conservatism, and economic liberalism. It has been in power multiple times at the national level, with its most prominent leader being Narendra Modi, who served as Prime Minister from 2014 to 2024, and earlier from 2001 to 2014 as the Chief Minister of Gujarat state. The BJP’s rise to prominence has reshaped India’s political landscape, often sparking debates about its policies, particularly regarding secularism, religious tolerance, and economic reform.
Campaigned in Kerala today and addressed election meetings in Kasaragod, Vadkara and Kannur.
In its manifesto, the BJP has pledged to enhance the nation’s rich culture and heritage, aiming to attract tourists and elevate the country’s heritage to world-class status.
BJP will… pic.twitter.com/uckdBjwyVE
— Rajnath Singh (मोदी का परिवार) (@rajnathsingh) April 17, 2024
The symbol of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is a lotus flower. The lotus symbolizes purity, growth, and prosperity in Indian culture. It’s often depicted as a stylized lotus flower with petals arranged in a circular pattern. The BJP adopted the lotus as its symbol to represent its values and aspirations, including cultural pride, national unity, and progress. The party’s use of the lotus as its symbol dates back to its formation in 1980 and has since become widely recognized across India.
History of BJP (Bhartiya Janta Party)
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has a history deeply intertwined with India’s political landscape, particularly in the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st century.
The BJP was formally established in 1980, emerging from the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS), which was founded in 1951 by Syama Prasad Mookerjee. The BJS was a political arm of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist organization. The BJP was formed through a merger of the BJS with several other parties.
In its early years, the BJP struggled to gain significant traction nationally. It was often overshadowed by the dominant Congress Party, which had a stronghold on Indian politics since independence in 1947.
The BJP’s rise to prominence began in the 1980s and 1990s, fueled by several factors. One crucial event was the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, which called for the construction of a temple at the site believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram in Ayodhya. This movement galvanized Hindu sentiments and provided the BJP with a significant electoral base.
The BJP’s electoral fortunes started to change in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In 1989, it won its first significant electoral victory by forming a coalition government in the state of Gujarat. In 1991, following the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, the BJP emerged as the principal opposition party in the Indian Parliament.
The 1990s were a transformative period for the BJP. In 1996, it formed its first national government, led by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. However, this government lasted only 13 days. In 1998, the BJP-led coalition, known as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), won a decisive victory in the general elections, and Vajpayee became Prime Minister again, serving until 2004.
The BJP continued to consolidate its position as a major political force in India in the 21st century. In 2014, under the leadership of Narendra Modi, the BJP secured a historic mandate in the general elections, winning a majority on its own and forming the government. Modi became Prime Minister, marking a significant shift in Indian politics.
The Modi government pursued various policy initiatives, including economic reforms, infrastructure development, and social welfare programs. However, it also faced criticism on issues such as religious polarization, freedom of expression, and economic inequality.
The BJP and its allies performed well in subsequent state and national elections, including the 2019 general elections, where they retained power with an even larger majority.
the BJP’s history is marked by its evolution from a marginal political player to one of India’s dominant political parties, with a significant impact on the country’s politics and policies.
Prominent leaders of BJP
The BJP has had several influential leaders throughout its history, who have played crucial roles in shaping the party’s ideology, strategy, and electoral success. Here are some of the most important leaders:
Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Vajpayee was one of the founding members of the BJP and served as the Prime Minister of India three times. He played a central role in shaping the party’s moderate and inclusive image, often referred to as the “right man in the wrong party” due to his statesman-like demeanor. Vajpayee was known for his oratory skills and his efforts to foster better relations with neighboring countries.
Lal Krishna Advani
Advani was another founding member of the BJP and a long-time stalwart of the party. He played a pivotal role in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, which helped catapult the BJP to national prominence in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Advani served as Deputy Prime Minister of India under Vajpayee and was considered one of the key architects of the BJP’s rise to power.
Narendra Modi
Narendra Modi is perhaps the most significant leader in the BJP’s recent history. He served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014 and then became the Prime Minister of India after leading the BJP to a historic victory in the 2014 general elections. Modi’s leadership style is characterized by his emphasis on economic development, nationalism, and Hindutva ideology. Under his leadership, the BJP has significantly expanded its electoral footprint across India.
Even in Lok Sabha elections 2024, it is anticipated that once again Modi will be the next minister of India.
Amit Shah
Amit Shah is a close confidant of Narendra Modi and a key strategist of the BJP. He served as the President of the BJP from 2014 to 2020 and played a crucial role in the party’s electoral victories during this period. Shah is known for his organizational skills and his ability to mobilize grassroots support for the party.
Rajnath Singh
Rajnath Singh is a senior BJP leader who has held several important positions within the party and the government. He served as the President of the BJP from 2005 to 2009 and again from 2013 to 2014. Singh has also held ministerial positions in the central government, including Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Defence.
These leaders, among others, have been instrumental in shaping the BJP’s ideology, electoral strategy, and governance agenda, making the party one of the dominant forces in Indian politics.
Major developments done by Bhartiya Janta Party
Under BJP rule, particularly during the tenure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several major developments and initiatives have been undertaken across various sectors. Here are some significant ones:
- Goods and Services Tax (GST): The BJP-led government implemented the GST, which is one of the most significant tax reforms in India’s history. It aimed to streamline the indirect tax structure by replacing multiple state and central taxes with a single, unified tax regime.
- Demonetization: In 2016, the government announced the demonetization of high-denomination currency notes to curb corruption, black money, and counterfeit currency. While it generated mixed reactions and faced criticism for its implementation, the move aimed to promote a digital economy and formalize financial transactions.
- Digital India: The Digital India initiative was launched to promote digital literacy, internet connectivity, and e-governance services across the country. It aimed to bridge the digital divide and transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.
- Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission): Launched in 2014, this nationwide cleanliness campaign aimed to eliminate open defecation, improve sanitation infrastructure, and promote cleanliness and hygiene practices. It led to the construction of millions of toilets and significant progress in sanitation coverage.
- Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY): This financial inclusion scheme was launched to provide access to banking services, including savings accounts, insurance, and pension schemes, to the unbanked population. It aimed to promote financial literacy and enable direct benefit transfers.
- Make in India: Make in India was launched to promote manufacturing and boost job creation in India. It aimed to attract foreign investment, enhance the ease of doing business, and foster innovation and entrepreneurship in key sectors.
- Infrastructure Development: The government has prioritized infrastructure development, including the construction of roads, highways, railways, airports, and ports. Projects such as Bharatmala, Sagarmala, and the development of smart cities aim to improve connectivity and urban infrastructure.
- Ayushman Bharat: Launched in 2018, Ayushman Bharat is the world’s largest government-funded healthcare scheme, aiming to provide health insurance coverage to over 500 million vulnerable individuals and families for secondary and tertiary healthcare services.
- National Security: The government has taken several measures to enhance national security, including strengthening border infrastructure, modernizing the armed forces, and taking a proactive stance against terrorism and cross-border threats.
These are just some of the major developments and initiatives undertaken under BJP rule, reflecting the government’s focus on economic growth, governance reforms, social welfare, and national security.
BJP and Controversies
The BJP, like any major political party, has been associated with various controversies throughout its history. Some of these controversies have been politically charged and have sparked debates and criticism. Here are a few notable ones:
Babri Masjid Demolition: One of the most significant controversies associated with the BJP is the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya in 1992. The demolition, carried out by Hindu nationalist groups including members of the BJP, sparked communal riots across India and led to significant tensions between religious communities. The event remains a deeply polarizing issue in Indian politics.
2002 Gujarat Riots: The 2002 Gujarat riots, which occurred during Narendra Modi‘s tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat, resulted in widespread violence, particularly targeting the Muslim community. Critics accused the state government, led by Modi and the BJP, of failing to prevent the violence and of being complicit in it. The handling of the riots continues to be a subject of debate and controversy.
Religious Polarization and Communalism: The BJP has faced criticism for allegedly stoking religious polarization and communal tensions to consolidate its political base. Critics argue that the party’s promotion of Hindutva ideology has contributed to the marginalization of religious minorities and undermined India’s secular fabric.
Freedom of Expression: There have been concerns raised about the BJP’s approach to freedom of expression and dissent. Critics argue that the party and its supporters have sought to suppress criticism and dissent, including through legal action and intimidation tactics against journalists, activists, and artists.
Caste Politics: Some critics have accused the BJP of exploiting caste identities for electoral gains, particularly through its alliance-building strategies and caste-based mobilization tactics. Critics argue that this approach reinforces social divisions and undermines efforts towards social justice and equality.
Economic Policies: The BJP’s economic policies, including demonetization and the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), have been subject to criticism and controversy. While these policies were intended to address issues such as corruption and tax evasion, they have also faced scrutiny over their implementation and impact on various sectors of the economy.
These controversies reflect the complex and contentious nature of Indian politics, with the BJP being at the center of many debates surrounding issues of identity, governance, and social justice.