History of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)

Published Date: May 29, 2025

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was officially founded in 1980, but its ideological roots go back to the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, established in 1951 by Syama Prasad Mukherjee.

Formation and Early Years

In 1951, the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS) was founded with a strong nationalist ideology. After the Emergency, BJS merged into the Janata Party.

The Birth of BJP (1980)

After internal conflicts in Janata Party, BJS leaders re-formed themselves as BJP in 1980, with Atal Bihari Vajpayee as first president.

Rise to Power

Under Vajpayee, Advani, and Modi, BJP grew. It came to power in 1996, again in 1998–2004, and since 2014 under Modi’s leadership.

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Key Ideologies and Policies

• Hindutva and cultural nationalism
• Economic development and self-reliance
• Strong national security policies

Conclusion

Today, BJP remains the largest political party in India, shaping the political landscape through its policies and strategies.