The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), once revered for its cadre-based structure and staunch commitment to nationalist and Hindutva ideologies, has undergone significant transformations over the years.
Originating from the Janasangh, renowned for its nationalist ethos, the party merged with the Janata Party before evolving into the BJP in 1980, boasting the claim of being the world's largest political party.
In recent times, the BJP has orchestrated extensive organizational overhauls and membership drives, solidifying its position as a formidable force in Indian politics.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the central government has pursued a series of initiatives aimed at appeasing its nationalist base, including the abrogation of Article 370, the construction of the Ram temple, the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), and stringent counter-terrorism measures.
However, as the nation gears up for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, BJP's electoral strategy has taken a novel turn, signaling a departure from its traditional playbook.
The party's strategists have embarked on a concerted effort to lure leaders from rival parties, particularly the Congress, into their fold.
Spearheaded by BJP's National Secretary Vinod Tawde, a dedicated task force has been established to facilitate this campaign.
While the BJP's steadfast cadre base has refrained from vocal opposition to this strategy, there exists an undercurrent of disillusionment among its ranks.
Many dedicated workers find themselves in the disheartening position of advocating for candidates whom they once vehemently opposed.
This sentiment is particularly palpable in constituencies where erstwhile adversaries of the BJP have been nominated as candidates, including those who previously secured victories against the party.
The ramifications of this paradigm shift are evident in regions such as Himachal Pradesh, where by-elections are imminent, and Punjab and Haryana, where a significant number of candidates with Congress backgrounds have been fielded by the BJP.
The trend extends to the national stage, with instances of Rajya Sabha tickets being awarded to former Congress leaders and prominent personalities from non-political arenas being granted Lok Sabha tickets.
Observers note that if this trend persists unabated, the BJP's leadership could undergo a fundamental transformation, with a significant portion of its cadre hailing from erstwhile rival parties like the Congress.
Such a shift could reshape the political landscape of the country, marking a departure from the party's historical roots and signaling a new era in Indian politics.
(Mohinder Nath Sofat, is a social media Commentator and a Veteran BJP leader)
