0
0
BJP : Together, we can ! Together, we will!!
BJP’s Membership Drive-A Boost for Democratic Engagement and Party Growth
How BJP’s Drive Is Redefining Political Participation
BJP Opening Politics to New Faces and Fresh Ideas
How BJP’s Membership Drive breaks the chains of ” Parivarvad”
- Prof. Jasim Mohammad
” One lakh youth should be inducted into the political system, specifically those with no history of politics in their families,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing the nation from ramparts of Red Fort on the occasion of 78th Independence day. Family dynasties have long dominated many political parties in India, where power is often inherited rather than earned. Traditionally, many political parties in Bharat are being dominated by family dynasties, which can limit opportunities for ordinary citizens to make a difference. By focusing on including youth with no political family connections, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi is making a clear statement about breaking away from the old model of “pariwarvad” (family rule) and opening the door to new voices and perspectives in politics. To bring in One lakh young people who haven’t had political connections would infuse the political system with fresh ideas and energy. It also challenges the old family-centric model and sets the stage for a more inclusive and merit-based political environment. Young leaders who come from diverse backgrounds can offer new solutions to current problems and represent the concerns of their generation.
However, The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is launching a major membership drive on September 2, 2024. This major initiative show the dedication of the party to democratic engagement and its strategic foresight in expanding its base. The membership drive stands as a clear contrast to political parties that are confined to family dynasties and entrenched in the concept of “pariwarvad” (family rule). While some parties are perpetuating leadership through family connections, the BJP is taking a democratic approach that emphasizes inclusivity and broad-based participation. By opening up its membership to millions of new individuals, the party demonstrates its commitment to a political system where leadership and influence are determined by merit and engagement rather than inheritance. This drive is a good effort to redefine the norms of political participation. Unlike parties that revolve around a few families, the BJP’s approach involves people from all walks of life and reflects the true spirit of democracy. By enrolling new members from diverse backgrounds, the BJP is challenging the traditional dynastic model, showing that political influence can be earned through involvement and contribution, not just by birthright. In focusing on expanding its base to include millions of new members, the BJP highlights its dedication to a participatory political system. This is in stark contrast to other parties where power is often concentrated within a few families, limiting opportunities for broader engagement. The BJP’s initiative encourages a more dynamic and representative political environment where leadership positions are accessible to anyone willing to contribute and participate actively.
The drive which is planned in three comprehensive phases is an administrative exercise and a significant political event that reflects the BJP’s commitment to inclusivity and grassroots involvement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will kick off this drive by renewing his own party membership. Historically, the BJP conducts this membership drive every six years. However, the previous cycle was subdued due to the pandemic. Now, with the return of normalcy, the party is ready to resume this vital practice with renewed enthusiasm and strategic planning.
The membership drive will unfold in three distinct phases. The first phase, from September 2 to September 15, will focus on enrolling new members across the country. This phase is for setting the foundation for the drive and ensuring that a wide range of individuals are brought into the party fold. Following this, the BJP will enter the second phase, which runs from October 1 to October 15. This phase will involve a detailed analysis of the initial enrollment patterns to identify regions and social groups that are underrepresented. The BJP aims to achieve a balanced and inclusive membership base. From mid-October, the drive will move into the third phase, which involves enrolling active members. This is designed to enhance the party’s grassroots network and strengthen its organizational framework. It will be followed by elections for various party positions, including mandal, zilla, and state presidents. These elections are a key aspect of the party’s democratic process and will play a significant role in shaping its future leadership.
Training workshops for party workers have already been conducted, with 9,000 out of 15,000 mandals trained. This preparation is essential for ensuring that party workers are equipped to handle the recruitment process effectively. With over 10 lakh party workers involved, the BJP is mobilizing a substantial workforce to achieve its membership goals. The BJP has set an ambitious target of enrolling 20 crore new members by recruiting 200 members from each of the 10 lakh booths across India. This goal reflects the party’s focus on expanding its reach and strengthening its presence across diverse regions. The success of this membership drive will have far-reaching implications for the BJP. It will impact the party’s internal structure, leadership dynamics, and overall influence. As new members are brought into the fold, the party will have the opportunity to broaden its base, enhance its organizational capacity, and prepare for future electoral challenges.
Public perception of the BJP will also be influenced by the drive’s success. A well-executed membership campaign can boost the party’s image and demonstrate its commitment to democratic values and citizen engagement. By involving a larger segment of the population, the BJP aims to reinforce its position as a representative and inclusive political force. The drive also highlights the BJP’s strategic approach to political engagement. The three-phase structure and the focus on underrepresented regions reflect a thoughtful and deliberate strategy to ensure that the party’s membership base is both broad and representative.
As the drive progresses, it will be important for the BJP to address any challenges that arise and to maintain effective communication with new members.
At its core, the drive is about bringing more people into the political process. By increasing the number of party members, the BJP ensures that a larger segment of society is involved in shaping its policies and direction. This inclusivity is a fundamental aspect of a healthy democracy. The BJP’s approach is methodical and planned which reflects a well-thought-out strategy. The party is just seeking to add numbers and also focused on ensuring that these new members are actively engaged and involved in the party’s activities. The drive is structured in phases, which allows for careful management and evaluation. This phased approach helps the party understand regional and social demographics and ensuring that the drive is effective and reaches diverse groups. By targeting various regions and social groups, the BJP aims to build a more representative membership base. This focus on inclusivity ensures that the party’s membership reflects the diverse population of India and enhance its connection with different communities. The BJP is positioning itself for future success and ensuring that it remains relevant in a rapidly evolving political environment. The focus on training and development highlights the party’s commitment to build a knowledgeable and capable workforce. This investment in human capital is important for driving the party’s success and ensuring its long-term growth.
The party’s ability to mobilize a large network of workers is a key factor in the success of the drive. The BJP is able to execute the initiative with precision and effectiveness. The structured phases of the drive allow for careful management and evaluation. This approach helps the party identify areas for improvement and ensures that the drive is comprehensive and effective. The emphasis on active participation and engagement sets the BJP’s membership drive apart from other political efforts. The drive is a clear reflection of the BJP’s commitment to democratic values. By expanding its membership base and involving a larger segment of the population, the party is promoting a more inclusive and representative political environment. The party’s ability to adapt and evolve in response to changing political dynamics is evident in this drive. By implementing innovative strategies and leveraging modern tools, the party is staying relevant and effective in a rapidly changing political landscape. The party’s organizational strength and efficiency are demonstrated through the successful execution of the drive. By mobilizing a large network of supporters, the BJP is able to manage the initiative effectively and achieve its goals. The structured phases of the drive ensure that it is comprehensive and effective. The drive’s emphasis on active participation and engagement enhances its overall effectiveness. By ensuring that new members are actively involved, the BJP is building a more dynamic and participatory political organization. Overall, the drive is a significant effort to promote democratic engagement and build a more inclusive and representative political organization. By focusing on participation, training, and regional representation, the party is setting a high standard for political involvement and organizational excellence.
The BJP’s membership drive is a great example of how easy and inclusive political participation can be. By simply giving a missed call to a designated number 8800002024, any indian interested can join the party and become a part of its vision. This is the straightforward process and breaks down barriers to entry and ensures that political involvement is not limited to those with family connections or backgrounds in politics. This openness encourages and inspires new voices and perspectives which would make politics more democratic and accessible to everyone.
[Author is Professor in Comparative Literature & Donor of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). Email: [email protected] ]
