Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has established a new principle in Indian politics — “Nation First” — as the party marked its 47th foundation day.
In a video message, Modi said the occasion was an opportunity to remember the party’s founders, leaders and workers whose efforts, sacrifice and discipline shaped its journey since its formation in 1980. He also thanked BJP workers for their contribution to the party’s expansion and its continued focus on governance.
Modi Remembers BJP's Founders and Workers
The Prime Minister paid tribute to several leaders associated with the BJP and its ideological journey, including Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, Deendayal Upadhyaya, Nanaji Deshmukh, Kushabhau Thakre, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L.K. Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi.
Modi said the BJP’s rise could not be understood without recognising the work of millions of party workers who, according to him, continued to serve the organisation with dedication and perseverance.
The BJP was formed in 1980, while its ideological roots are linked to the earlier Bharatiya Jana Sangh. Party president Nitin Nabin also highlighted this continuity while addressing workers on the foundation day. (News on Air)
Women’s Reservation and 2029 Elections
Modi also highlighted women's political representation as part of the BJP government's policy agenda.
He said the government had fulfilled its commitment on women's reservation and was working towards ensuring that the 2029 elections are conducted under the framework of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.
The legislation provides for reservation of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies, with its implementation linked to the delimitation process.
BJP Highlights Governance and Antyodaya
The Prime Minister described the BJP as a symbol of good governance and effective last-mile delivery.
Referring to Deendayal Upadhyaya's concept of Antyodaya, Modi said government policies had helped lift 25 crore people out of poverty.
These figures and assessments were presented by the Prime Minister as part of his account of the government's performance and the BJP's governance approach.
The emphasis on welfare delivery and reaching beneficiaries at the grassroots has remained a central part of the BJP's political messaging.
UCC and One Nation, One Election on BJP's Agenda
Modi also pointed to issues that remain part of the BJP's broader political agenda.
He said serious discussions are taking place around the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and One Nation, One Election, presenting these debates as connected with the party's stated objectives of national integration and more efficient governance.
Both issues have been significant elements of the BJP's political agenda, although their implementation involves legislative and constitutional processes.
‘Nation First’ Remains BJP's Core Message
The Prime Minister's foundation-day address placed the “Nation First” principle at the centre of the BJP's political identity.
He said the party's growing prominence was visible across the country but argued that only those who had been part of its journey could fully appreciate the discipline, sacrifice and hard work of its workers.
Modi's remarks also echoed a message shared by other senior BJP leaders on the foundation day. In a social media message, he described the BJP as an organisation guided by the principle of “India First”, while highlighting workers' commitment to public service and good governance. (News on Air)
The foundation-day celebrations therefore combined a look back at the BJP's organisational journey with an emphasis on its stated priorities for the coming years.
BJP's Political Journey
From its formation in 1980, the BJP has grown from a relatively smaller political organisation into one of India's principal national parties. Its leaders continue to frame the party's expansion around ideological commitment, organisational discipline and its stated focus on national development.
For the BJP, the foundation day also serves as an opportunity to mobilise its cadre around its long-term political objectives and the broader goal of building what the party describes as a developed India.:
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