New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) National Membership Drive for 2024, underlining the party’s commitment to democratic values and inclusivity. The event, held at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi, saw PM Modi becoming the first member of the campaign by renewing his membership with a simple missed call, setting the tone for the drive.
Addressing party workers and leaders, PM Modi highlighted the importance of adhering to democratic principles within the party, stating, “Today, another round of our membership campaign begins. From the days of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh to now, we have always strived to bring a new political culture to the country. If democratic values and internal democracy do not thrive within the organisation entrusted with power by the people, the same fate awaits it as we see with many political parties today.”
The Prime Minister underscored the BJP’s unique standing as a party that continuously upholds democratic procedures in both letter and spirit, guided by its constitution. “The BJP is the only party that expands its work while following democratic procedures as per its constitution. We constantly enable ourselves to live up to the hopes and aspirations of the common man,” he added.
Reflecting on the party’s early struggles, Modi recalled the days when the BJP was not a significant political force. “This party did not reach here easily; many generations worked hard to build it. In the era of the Jan Sangh, our workers would paint the symbol of a lamp on walls with great enthusiasm, while leaders of other parties would mock them, saying these symbols would never reach the corridors of power. Yet, we believed that painting the lotus would sooner or later find its way into the hearts of the people,” he said.
PM Modi also reminisced about the challenges faced by BJP workers in the past. “Even today, in some states, BJP workers live the same life, fighting for their ideals. There was a time when we were mocked for having just two members in Parliament. Our workers were often told they had one leg in the rail and the other in jail. We endured all this for the concept of ‘Nation First’.”
During his address, Modi also emphasised the importance of women’s representation in the party. Referring to the ongoing membership drive, he noted, “This membership campaign will coincide with the implementation of 33 percent reservation for women in Assemblies and the Lok Sabha. Let us ensure that we enrol more women who can become MLAs and MPs, contributing to this significant decision.”
The launch of the membership drive was attended by several top leaders, including BJP national president JP Nadda, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who also renewed their party memberships by giving missed calls on the designated number.
The membership drive for 2024 aims to expand the party’s base and reinforce its democratic foundation, ensuring broader participation from all sections of society, particularly women. With PM Modi’s call to action, the BJP hopes to engage more citizens in its political mission, reaffirming its commitment to democratic values and national unity.
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