In 1980, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was founded by Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Lal Krishna Advani, two prominent leaders of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a right-wing Hindu nationalist organization.
The Background
Prior to the formation of the BJP, the RSS had been involved in Indian politics for several decades, advocating for a Hindu nationalist agenda and opposing the secularism of the Indian National Congress party, which had dominated Indian politics since independence in 1947.
The Formation of the BJP
In 1980, Vajpayee and Advani decided to form a new political party that would represent the Hindu nationalist cause. They saw an opportunity to mobilize the Hindu community and tap into a growing sentiment of dissatisfaction with the Indian National Congress party.
The BJP's Platform
The BJP's platform was based on the principles of Hindutva, a term coined by V.D. Savarkar in the 1920s to describe a Hindu nationalist ideology that sought to promote the interests of the Hindu community and create a Hindu Rashtra, or Hindu nation.
The BJP's primary focus was on issues such as the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya, the abolition of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, and the promotion of Hindu culture and values.
The BJP's Rise to Power
The BJP gradually gained support over the years, particularly in the northern and western states of India. In 1998, the BJP formed a government for the first time, with Vajpayee as the Prime Minister. The party won a second term in 1999, but was defeated by the Indian National Congress party in 2004.
Conclusion
The formation of the BJP in 1980 marked a significant turning point in Indian politics. The party represented a challenge to the dominant secularism of the Indian National Congress party and gave a voice to the Hindu nationalist movement. The BJP's rise to power in the late 1990s and early 2000s was a reflection of the growing influence of Hindu nationalism in Indian politics. Today, the BJP remains one of the most powerful political parties in India, with a significant presence in the national parliament and many state legislatures.
