Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday took a swipe at opposition parties, saying many of them are examples of what happens when political organisations do not follow internal democracy. Speaking at the launch of the BJP's membership drive, he said the 33 per cent reservation for women in assemblies and Lok Sabha will get implemented when the BJP build itself further through this campaign.
During the BJP's membership drive held every six years, existing memberships are renewed and new members are enrolled into its fold. BJP president J P Nadda enrolled Modi as the first member, marking the launch of the drive.
The prime minister asked BJP members to think innovatively and make border villages fortresses for the party. PM Modi said the new generation is not aware of headlines about scams 10 years ago, and asked party leaders to target the 18-25 year age group during the membership drive.
Addressing the event, PM Modi outlined the distinctiveness of the BJP in the Indian political landscape, underscoring its adherence to democratic values and internal democracy. "From the days of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh to the present, we have strived to bring a new political culture to the country," PM Modi stated.
He highlighted that for any political organization entrusted with power by the people, it is essential to embody and nurture democratic values internally. "BJP is the only party that expands its work by following democratic processes in letter and spirit, as per the constitution of our party, continuously making itself capable of living up to the hopes and aspirations of the common people," said PM Modi.
Reflecting on the historical journey of the BJP, PM Modi recalled the early days when party workers, with unwavering dedication, would paint lotus symbols on walls, signifying their commitment and belief. "We are those people who painted lotus on the walls with devotion because we believed that the lotus painted on the walls will someday be painted on the hearts too," said PM Modi. Even today, in some states, Bharatiya Janata Party workers live the same life and fight for their ideals, he added.
Mentioning the 33% reservation for women in assemblies and Parliament, PM Modi also suggested that the Sadasyta Abhiyan should focus on including individuals who can help maximize the success of women candidates in the Party.
While concluding his address, PM Modi underscored the commitment and emotion behind the 'Sadasyta Abhiyan', and said, "This 'Sadasyta Abhiyan' isn't just a ritual. It's an expansion of our family. It isn't a game of numbers. It doesn't matter the numbers we achieve. This membership drive is an ideological and emotional movement.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserted that the BJP's membership drive will again launch the campaign of "Bharat Vijay" and "Bhajapa Vijay". Speaking at the launch of the party's membership drive, he said the programme will reinvigorate the organisation. The home minister said the BJP will work to enrol people from every age group, caste and religion during the drive. Shah said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India made a new mark in every sector and resolved long-pending matters such as the Ram Janmabhoomi issue.
He lauded Modi for institutionalising the party's membership drive and recalled the prime minister's work as its senior organisation leader in Gujarat.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said Prime Minister Narendra Modi ended the credibility crisis in politics and the BJP is seen as the most credible party. The party has consistently followed its ideology and works to build society, he said.
Party president J P Nadda said the BJP is the only political organisation which is run democratically and follows its constitution.
Taking a swipe at the rivals, he said the BJP does not work from home in a clandestine way but follows a transparent process. With the party set to renew membership of its existing members and enrol new members in line with its constitutional requirement, Shah echoed Nadda, saying no other party follows its membership process in a truthful and democratic manner like the BJP.The BJP is nourished by its members, Shah said, asserting that the party's lively organisation spawns its brimming enthusiasm.
Both Nadda and Shah expressed confidence that the party will cross the milestone of 10 crore members in the drive as it did for the first time in 2014.
During a similar membership drive in 2014 and afterwards, the BJP went on to form governments in several states, including in some for the first time.