Union Minister and senior BJP leader Hardeep Singh Puri marked the 45th Foundation Day of the Bharatiya Janata Party by reflecting on the party’s transformative journey and its pivotal role in shaping modern India. Speaking to ANI, Puri expressed confidence that the BJP will play a crucial role in India’s continued rise and development.
“India will rise further, and the BJP will have a crucial role in it,” he stated, underlining the party’s sustained impact on national progress.
Recalling BJP’s humble beginnings, Puri shared how the party had only two Members of Parliament in the 1984-85 General Election, while Congress had a sweeping 426 seats. Despite the odds, BJP leaders Dr. AK Patel and Chandupatla Janga Reddy emerged victorious, sowing the seeds for what would become the world’s largest political party.
Highlighting the BJP’s transformation over the decades, Puri credited its growth to strong leadership, social commitment, and a clear development agenda. “There are very few parallels to what we have achieved in terms of social service and transformation,” he said.
He also reflected on India’s historical setbacks during colonial rule, noting that India’s share in the global economy fell drastically under British rule — from 25-27% to just 2%. However, he expressed optimism for the future under the BJP’s governance, emphasizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India).
As part of the Foundation Day observances, Puri paid floral tributes to Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS) founders Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee and Deendayal Upadhyaya, acknowledging their foundational role in BJP’s journey.
Meanwhile, Union Health Minister JP Nadda also commemorated the day with a heartfelt tribute to the party’s founding members and grassroots workers. Taking to social media platform X, Nadda praised the sacrifices of the BJP’s pioneers and the tireless dedication of party workers who helped the organization grow into a global political powerhouse.
“In the last decade, under the able leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, our government is committed to building a developed India,” Nadda wrote. He urged party workers to rededicate themselves to the vision of uplifting every section of society and making India a global leader.
The BJP, originally founded as Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1951, was formally established as the Bharatiya Janata Party in 1980. Since then, it has steadily grown to dominate Indian politics, especially after its landmark victory in 2014. In the 2019 general elections, the BJP secured 303 Lok Sabha seats, and in 2024, it won 240 seats, emerging again as the largest single party, though short of the majority mark.
From modest beginnings to national leadership, the BJP’s journey reflects a deep-rooted connection with the people and a continuing commitment to nation-building and development.
