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, which was 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, emphasizing Hindu values and cultural identity. After the Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi (1975-1977), the BJS merged with several other parties to form the Janata Party.

The Birth of BJP (1980)

After internal conflicts within the Janata Party, former members of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh re-established themselves as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 1980, with Atal Bihari Vajpayee as its first president.

Rise to Power

Under the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L.K. Advani, and later Narendra Modi, BJP gradually expanded its influence. The party first came to power in 1996, then again in 1998-2004, and has remained in power since 2014 under Modi’s leadership.

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 country’s political landscape through its governance, policies, and electoral strategies.