The BJP was founded in 1980, emerging from the Bharatiya Jana Sangh which was established in 1951 by Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee. After the Emergency in 1977, the Jana Sangh merged into the Janata Party but later separated, leading to the formation of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

In its early years, the BJP struggled electorally, winning only two seats in the 1984 Lok Sabha elections. However, it gained momentum in the late 1980s, becoming a significant national force by the 1990s.

The BJP's ideological foundation is rooted in Integral Humanism, a philosophy promoted by Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay. This approach balances individual and collective development, while preserving India’s cultural identity.

Key figures in the party's growth include:

• Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee – Founder of Bharatiya Jana Sangh

• Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay – Ideologue and policy thinker

• Atal Bihari Vajpayee – Former Prime Minister, known for his leadership and vision

• L.K. Advani – Senior leader and key strategist

Since 2014, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP has pursued a development-focused and reform-oriented governance model.

Major national campaigns include:

• Swachh Bharat Abhiyan

• Digital India

• Make in India

• Ujjwala Yojana

• Jan Dhan Yojana

• Startup India

Modi's leadership brought two consecutive majority wins in 2014 and 2019 — a rare feat in Indian politics — and significantly expanded the party’s national footprint.

🟠 BJP’s Current Legislative Strength Across India (2025)

✅ Jammu & Kashmir data is estimated; MLA elections not held post-reorganisation (2019).
✅ Lok Sabha MP count is from the 2024 General Election results (approximate but accurate as per public data).