BJP's 47th Foundation Day: PM Modi praises workers; Know How the party emerged from Jana Sangh?

New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party, which is the largest political party by membership today, is celebrating the party's 47th Foundation Day on Monday, i.e. April 6. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to party workers on the party's Foundation Day.

What did PM Modi say on BJP foundation day?

Taking to X, PM Modi said that the party remains committed to serving society and has always been 'guided by the India First principle'.

"Warm greetings to all BJP Karyakartas across the nation on the party’s Sthapana Diwas. Our Party has always been at the forefront of serving society, guided by the principle of India First. Our Karyakartas are known for their selfless service, unwavering dedication and a deep passion towards good governance. They have worked tirelessly at the grassroots, ensuring maximum people are connected to our ideology and work," he wrote.

PM Modi, while remembering those who sacrificed for the party's growth over the decades, said "We also remember the countless workers whose dedication, sacrifice and perseverance have shaped the party’s growth over decades. The BJP stands as a party that places well-being of people at the centre of its vision. This is reflected in our work at the Centre and in various states. BJP remains committed to building a Viksit Bharat. May our collective resolve continue to drive this vision forward and take India to new heights of progress and prosperity."

What is the history of BJP?

The BJP-led NDA coalition has been in power at the center since 2014. Additionally, the BJP and its allies hold government in more than 20 states and union territories. April 6 is a very special day for the Bharatiya Janata Party, as it was founded on this date in 1980.

When was the Bharatiya Jana Sangh founded?

Shyama Prasad Mukherjee founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1951. The party was known for its nationalist ideology and Hindutva-based politics. The Jana Sangh received ideological support from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). After the Emergency period of 1975-77, several parties, including the Jana Sangh, came together to form the Janata Party and came to power. During this period, Jana Sangh leaders emerged in national politics.

When and why was BJP established?

Disagreements within the Janata Party led to the formation of the Bharatiya Janata Party in 1980. This party was originally formed to carry forward the ideology and organizational structure of the Jana Sangh. The BJP adopted many of the Jana Sangh's core ideologies, such as cultural nationalism and a national interest in economic and social policies. 

Who was first national president of BJP?

The first national president of the Bharatiya Janata Party was Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who assumed the responsibility at the party's inception in 1980. He was known for his liberal image, impressive oratory skills, and universally accepted leadership. He played a key role in the BJP's initial national recognition.

How was the journey from two seats to power?

Following former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's assassination, there was a wave of sympathy for the Congress party across the country in the 1984 Lok Sabha elections. The BJP won only two seats in this election, a major setback for the party.

Subsequently, under the leadership of Lal Krishna Advani, the BJP made the Ram Janmabhoomi movement a major issue. In the 1989 elections, the BJP won 85 seats. Subsequently, in the 1991 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP won 120 seats.

In 1996, the BJP emerged as the largest party, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee became Prime Minister, but his government lasted only 13 days. Then, in 1998, a BJP-led government was formed at the Centre, lasting 13 months. In 1999, Lok Sabha elections were held again, and a government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee was formed at the Centre, which lasted five years.

The BJP remained in opposition from 2004 to 2014, but continued to strengthen its organization and strategy. In 2014, the BJP returned to power with an absolute majority, with Narendra Modi as Prime Minister. 

In 2019, the BJP secured a landslide victory, establishing a strong government under Narendra Modi's leadership at the Center. 

The BJP suffered a setback in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The BJP's seat count decreased, but the NDA surpassed the majority mark. For the third consecutive time, a government was formed at the Center under the leadership of Narendra Modi.