The renewed organisational journey with the same ideological roots of cultural nationalism started by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) completed 37years this April 6. Starting from a scratch, the party has reached a new zenith in terms of reach and acceptance all over the country. On the occasion, Shri Ramlal, National General Secretary (Organisation) of the party spoke to Prafulla Ketkar, Editor, Organiser and Hitesh Shankar, Editor Panchajanya on issues of Organisation, relations with the government, strains in coalition, future plans etc. Excerpts:
BJP has touched new heights in popularity on its 37th foundation day. How do you take it?
Largest number of MPs, largest number of MLAs, Government in maximum number of states; not just that, even in panchayats and municipal councils the BJP is in a strong position. From the membership point of view, not just in India, the BJP has become the world’s largest party with Amit Shah as its president. The party has the most popular leader in Narendra Modi on whom people have great trust. The BJP’s victory chariot has been moving ahead after its historic victory in the last Lok Sabha elections. This is certainly a matter of great satisfaction. We have already started witnessing the changes in the states like Uttar Pradesh and Manipur. I am confident that soon we will take the path of clean governance and inclusive development in fast
forward mode.
The foundation of BJP was a new beginning. The party has reached every nook and corner of the country. How did it come about?
In 1984 certainly the BJP got just two seats in the Lok Sabha. But the then leadership did not give up. After understanding the drawbacks, a new preparation was set afoot. As a result we have been moving ahead
constantly. In 2004 and 2009 there were a few setbacks, but for ten years the party fought against the
mal-administration, corruption and communal politics. At the same time, the party tried winning the confidence of people in states where it has been in power. As a result the party has been winning in those states and thus building on the confidence of the people. It is this
confidence that saw the BJP emerging as an alternative at the national level.
That is why, after 30 years any one party could gain absolute majority in the Lok Sabha. The Prime Minister has been working hard with all humility. His
foresightedness has won him accolades. With his sabka saath, sabka vikaas philosophy he has won heart of millions of people.
Moreover, welfare of villages, the poor and farmers became part of their programmes. Steps like crop
insurance, neem-coated fertilizers, land health card helped farmers increase their income. Increasing rural employment prospects, providing electricity to all
villages, adarsh (ideal) village scheme, free gas
connections, etc are some of the programmes with which Prime Minister Narendra Modi has won hearts of the poor. Whichever class or community the poor belong to, they have become admirers of Modi, and they trust him as well.
After coming to power the role of organisation changes as well increases. How are you performing this responsibility?
The role of organisation does not change after coming to power. Yes, the responsibility increases. Effort is to strengthen unity and efficiency in work. In BJP the organisation and the government are not rivals, but are complimentary to each other. Whatever welfare schemes are launched by the government, the party orgnisation tries to carry the message to villages. It all happens spontaneously.
Sabka Saath-Sabka Haath is a thought that has emerged out of Deendayal Upadhayay ji’s Ekatma Manav Darshan (integral humanism) and it also has a touch of his concept of Antyodaya (the rise of last man standing).
This is reflected in the government as one of the union ministers sits in his office for two hours every day. On the first and third Monday the BJP national president Amit Shah and the general secretary sits in the office. Anybody can meet them without prior appointment in those days.
With the electoral gains, quite a few people joining the party, how do you see the balance between electoral strategy and ideological sanctity?
As an expanding and inclusive party, it is but obvious that new people will join. To increase the social influence of the party we also have to take special efforts in this regard. Some of them will also get responsibility as per their ability. Fortunately, the family atmosphere in the party helps them in adapting to the party culture fast. Besides, we have also planned systematic training programmes from Mandal level to national level. This includes old Karyakartas as well as the new entrants, and they obtain training like a
homogenous group. So do not worry, BJP will remain BJP.
The BJP has widely expanded organisationally. In this situation how do you view politics of coalition? Will there be more pinpricking with allies like Shiv Sena?
The organisation has definitely expanded considerably and we have achieved electoral success as well. It is a matter of encouragement for us. But we are not going to remain contended. It is our nature to march ahead always. In spite of massive expansion of the party there are some pockets where success cannot be achieved single-handedly. Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Goa are such examples. In the last election we joined hands with many other parties in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
As far the as the relationship with the NDA partners is concerned, we don’t get into any kind of pinpricking. We believe in constructive politics. If anything
untowards happens while going together, we would try resolving it with talks. That’s why some political
parties have been our age-old partners. We trust them all and we try winning their confidence. Even after
winning two third majority in UP, we have give due
representation in the state cabinet to two of our partners. This example can also be seen at the Centre.
In the recent elections there was a massive wave in favour of the BJP, which the rivals could not gauge. Did the organisation know about it?
The massive mandate in UP and Uttarakhand reflects people’s confidence and faith Narendra Modi. It is the result of Centre’s pro-poor policies and hardwork of the party workers.
During the course of the elections it was realised that cutting across the caste lines people had started joining hands with the BJP. This victory in the two states is a tribute to the poor. We are committed to their welfare and uplift. It was natural that critics would get disheartened. They failed to understand the national mind.
What are the future plans for expansion of the organisation?
We have completed 37 years of the BJP foundation on April 6. Incidentally this year is also the centenary of Pt Deendayal Upadhaya. It will be our effort to knock at every door in the country through various programmes and projects. In every state from April 6 to July 6, till the birth anniversary of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, 3000 full timers would give time for 15 days each and effort would be made to send the message of the party to every house. Besides taking the message of the party, they will focus issues such as respect of Bharat, security of borders, dignity of women, employment for youth, welfare of poor, leadership and identity of the party.
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