Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) BIOGRAPHY
Last Updated : 03 Feb 2025
As of 2024, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) remains a dominant force in Indian politics, continuing its trajectory of growth and influence that has been evident since the early 21st century. Rooted in Hindu nationalist ideology and closely associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the BJP has successfully expanded its base beyond its traditional strongholds, appealing to a broad spectrum of Indian society with a mix of developmental promises, nationalist rhetoric, and religious appeals.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP has focused on a narrative of development, governance reform, and national security. Modi's charismatic leadership and the party's emphasis on digital India, infrastructure development, and economic reforms have played significant roles in its electoral successes. The party's victory in the 2019 general elections, securing a significant majority in the Lok Sabha (the lower house of India's Parliament), underscored its dominant position in Indian politics, a status it has worked to maintain and consolidate leading up to 2024.
However, the BJP's tenure has not been without controversy. Its policies and legislative actions, including the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), and the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC), have sparked significant debate and protests across the country. Critics argue that these moves reflect the party's majoritarian agenda and pose challenges to India's secular fabric. Yet, supporters of the BJP view these actions as necessary steps towards fulfilling the party's vision of a strong, unified India.
Electoral strategies of the BJP have also evolved, with a focus on consolidating Hindu votes, making inroads into regions traditionally dominated by opposition parties, and leveraging social media and technology to mobilize support. The party's ability to form strategic alliances and its control over several state governments further testify to its adeptness at political maneuvering and governance.