The political landscape of India has always been vibrant, diverse, and filled with competing ideologies. Among the many parties that shaped the country’s democratic journey, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stands out as one of the most influential forces. From its humble beginnings in the late 20th century to becoming the ruling party of the world’s largest democracy, the BJP’s rise is a story of determination, grassroots connect, and ideological clarity.
The Early Roots: From Jana Sangh to BJP
The roots of the BJP go back to the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS), founded in 1951 by Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee. The Jana Sangh was established as a political voice for cultural nationalism, representing the ideology that India’s identity is deeply tied to its civilizational heritage and values. Unlike many parties that leaned heavily on socialist or secular narratives post-independence, the Jana Sangh put forward the idea of “Integral Humanism,” later articulated by Deendayal Upadhyaya.
Although the Jana Sangh did not achieve massive electoral success in its early decades, it steadily built a base among the middle class, traders, and culturally rooted sections of society. It became particularly known for its disciplined cadre and strong grassroots presence, thanks to its ideological alignment with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
The Birth of a New Party
The turning point came during the Emergency (1975–1977), when then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi suspended civil liberties and democratic processes. Opposition parties, including the Jana Sangh, united under the Janata Party banner to fight authoritarianism. This coalition won the 1977 elections, and for the first time, non-Congress forces came to power in New Delhi.
However, the Janata Party experiment soon collapsed due to ideological differences. Leaders from the former Jana Sangh found themselves sidelined because of their association with the RSS. This disintegration led to the birth of a new political entity.
On April 6, 1980, the Bharatiya Janata Party was officially formed. Atal Bihari Vajpayee became its first president, and the BJP adopted “Gandhian Socialism” as its guiding principle in an attempt to appeal to a wider audience.
Struggles of the 1980s
The early years were not easy. In the 1984 general elections, held after the assassination of Indira Gandhi, a sympathy wave brought a landslide victory for the Congress under Rajiv Gandhi. The BJP managed to secure only two seats in the Lok Sabha, which was a major setback.
But the party did not give up. It reoriented its strategy, moving closer to its cultural roots and emphasizing nationalism. Under leaders like Lal Krishna Advani, the BJP sharpened its identity and mobilized support around issues of national pride, good governance, and cultural revival.
Rise in the 1990s
The late 1980s and 1990s marked the era of BJP’s rise. The Ram Janmabhoomi movement, advocating the construction of a Ram temple at Ayodhya, became a mass movement under Advani’s leadership. The party’s stand resonated with large sections of the population who felt culturally alienated by decades of Congress politics.
The 1991 elections saw the BJP emerge as a major national player, securing 120 seats. By the mid-1990s, the BJP had become the principal opposition party.
In 1996, the BJP, under Atal Bihari Vajpayee, briefly formed the government but could not prove its majority. However, by 1998 and 1999, the BJP successfully led the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), a coalition of several regional parties, and Vajpayee became the Prime Minister. His leadership was marked by nuclear tests at Pokhran, economic reforms, and efforts at strengthening India’s global standing.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee Era
Vajpayee’s tenure (1998–2004) is remembered for its balance of ideology and pragmatism. He pushed for infrastructure growth with projects like the Golden Quadrilateral highways, advanced India’s IT revolution, and strengthened diplomatic ties. Despite facing challenges such as the Kargil War in 1999 and sanctions after the nuclear tests, Vajpayee’s statesmanship won him respect across party lines.
However, in 2004, the BJP lost power to the Congress-led UPA despite its campaign “India Shining.” Many analysts believed the party underestimated rural discontent and economic disparities.
Years in Opposition (2004–2014)
For a decade, the BJP remained in opposition, but these years were crucial for re-building the party’s strategy. Leaders like Lal Krishna Advani, Rajnath Singh, Arun Jaitley, and others kept the organization alive, while the Congress-led UPA government faced growing criticism over corruption scandals, inflation, and policy paralysis.
It was during this phase that Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister of Gujarat, emerged as a prominent national figure. Known for his governance model focused on development, infrastructure, and economic reforms, Modi became the BJP’s face for the 2014 general elections.
The Modi Era: 2014 Onwards
The 2014 elections were a turning point in Indian politics. Narendra Modi led the BJP to a historic victory with 282 seats, giving the party an absolute majority on its own for the first time. The win reflected the people’s aspiration for development, jobs, and a strong leadership.
The Modi government launched ambitious programs like Make in India, Digital India, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Start-up India, and Jan Dhan Yojana. The emphasis was on infrastructure, welfare schemes, and India’s international image.
In 2019, the BJP repeated its success, winning 303 seats—a rare feat in Indian politics. This victory was attributed to Modi’s strong leadership, decisive policies, welfare programs, and national security stance after the Pulwama terror attack and Balakot airstrikes.
BJP in Contemporary India
Today, the BJP is not just a political party but a dominant force shaping India’s policy direction. It has expanded its footprint in states where it was earlier weak, such as the Northeast and South India. The party’s cadre-based structure, communication strategies, and ability to connect with the aspirations of the masses have been central to its success.
At the same time, the party faces challenges. Critics often accuse the BJP of pushing a divisive agenda, and debates over secularism, federalism, and economic inequality continue to test its governance model. Nevertheless, its mass appeal remains strong, and its influence on Indian politics is undeniable.
