The Rise of BJP: From 1951 to 2023

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), formerly known as the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, has grown from a regional political entity in the 1950s to a national party that first gained prominence in 1980. This transformation has been marked by several key events and issues that have shaped its destiny.

Origins and Foundations

On April 6, 1980, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was officially formed by a group of leaders including Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Lashkar Ahmad Khan Advani. The party was established as a political wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist organization. The Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the predecessor of the BJP, was founded on October 21, 1951, taking the stage in Indian politics in the post-partition era.

Key Issues and Activism

One of the BJP's early issues was the demand for a civil code. In January 1988, the party demanded the resignation of Rajiv Gandhi and the declaration of mid-term elections. They organized Sathyagrahas across the nation to protest the government. Lal Krishna Advani, a prominent leader of the party, was elected as the president of the BJP in 1988. In 1989, the National Front was formed, with NTR and TDP becoming the president and Vishwanath Pratap Singh as the convenor. This marked the birth of the Janatha Dal.

The BJP's rise to national prominence was closely tied to the Babri Masjid issue, which became a significant cultural and political challenge. In September 1990, Lal Krishna Advani launched the Rath Yatra, a historic journey that attracted significant Hindu majority voters. This event planted the seeds of hatred towards the Congress party and demonstrated the BJP's growing political strength.

Struggle and Victory

The struggle for the Ayodhya issue was a significant marker of the BJP's political maturity. Advani entered the Lok Sabha and supported the Rath Yathra, which reached Ayodhya on October 30, 1990, to participate in the Karseva. Despite government prohibitions, the Karseva was held, and Chandrashekhar became the Prime Minister with the support of the Congress. Within 7 months, Rajiv Gandhi withdrew Congress support from his government.

In the 1991 Uttar Pradesh elections, the BJP emerged victorious, defeating the pseudo-secularism that had dominated Indian politics. Under the leadership of Advani and Vishwanath Pratap Singh, the BJP not only gained electoral victories but also became a formidable force for a more inclusive and egalitarian India.

The transformation of the BJP from a regional player to a national force has been marked by its commitment to Hindu nationalism and its proactive stance on key political issues. While the party's rise has brought about significant political changes, it has also sparked debates and controversies regarding its approach and policies.