On April 6th, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) celebrates its Foundation Day, marking the establishment of the party on this day in 1980. Over the past four decades, the BJP has emerged as one of the most dominant political parties in India, currently holding a majority in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of India’s parliament.
Highlights
- The BJP was formed as a merger of several right-wing parties, including the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the Janata Party, and the Rashtriya Swyamsevak Sangh (RSS).
- The party has had a tumultuous journey, facing internal conflicts, electoral setbacks, and opposition from other political parties.
- The BJP’s rise to power has been attributed to various factors, including its emphasis on Hindutva, economic liberalization, and effective use of social media.
- On this Foundation Day, the BJP will be launching various campaigns, including a blood donation drive and a nationwide cleanliness campaign.
History
The Bharatiya Janata Party was formed on April 6, 1980, as a merger of several right-wing parties. The ideological roots of the party can be traced to the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, which was founded in 1951 by Syama Prasad Mookerjee. The Jana Sangh was a political arm of the Rashtriya Swyamsevak Sangh, a right-wing Hindu nationalist organization. In the years that followed, the Jana Sangh merged with other parties to form the Janata Party, which came to power briefly in 1977.
However, the Janata Party government was short-lived, and in 1980, the BJP was formed as a separate political entity. The party’s early years were marked by internal conflicts and electoral setbacks. It was only in 1998 that the BJP formed a government at the center, with Atal Bihari Vajpayee as the Prime Minister.
Significance
The BJP Foundation Day is an occasion for the party to reflect on its journey so far and renew its commitment to its ideological roots. The party’s rise to power has been attributed to various factors, including its emphasis on Hindutva, economic liberalization, and effective use of social media.
The party’s Hindutva ideology, which emphasizes the cultural and religious identity of Hindus, has resonated with a significant section of the Indian electorate. The BJP has also been credited with bringing about economic liberalization in India, which has led to increased foreign investment and growth in various sectors.
More highlights
On this Foundation Day, the BJP will be launching various campaigns to mark the occasion. These include a blood donation drive and a nationwide cleanliness campaign, among others. The party has also urged its members to participate in these campaigns and contribute to their success.
