Bharatiya Janata Party president and Union minister JP Nadda, on Sunday, said that the BJP was the only pan-India party that has a presence in all four corners of the country.
“We are a party representing the aspirations and sentiments of 140 crore people. We are the only party that has internal democracy and does not believe in nepotism. It is the BJP alone that follows the concept of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas’,” Nadda said while addressing the one-day BJP state executive meeting in Lucknow.
He said that the BJP was not just the party of today, but also of the future. He emphasised that the responsibility entrusted to the party is not temporary but is a long-lasting commitment.
Nadda said, “When the lotus blooms in the country or at state level, good governance follows. In contrast, when other parties take charge, it leads to the flight of capital and business and lack of safety for women, and a series of scams.”
Referring to the recently conducted Lok Sabha elections, he said that the continued support of the electorate to Prime Minister Modi’s leadership signified their trust of a vision for a developed India.
“This future is in our hands, and it is our responsibility to handle it carefully. Be aware of this responsibility,” Nadda urged the attendees, reinforcing the long-term commitment and accountability that comes with their roles within the party.
Nadda said that the Lok Sabha 2024 election results showed that the BJP was the only pan-India party, representing 140 crore Indians across the east, west, north, and south.
He reminded the delegates that the BJP was once mocked for being a small party with just two members in 1984 but today, under the leadership of Atal ji and now Modi ji, the BJP had secured the public’s support for the third consecutive term. He criticised the lack of internal democracy in the country’s 1,500 political parties, many of which were family-run enterprises.
Highlighting the BJP’s commitment to the principle of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas’, Nadda said that BJP members were recognised for their work, not their family connections. He praised the party’s strength in nurturing leaders who first and foremost were dedicated workers, capable of facing and overcoming challenges.
The BJP president criticised Congress, questioning its performance in recent elections. He pointed out that even with the MPs the party won in three elections, it could not surpass BJP’s 240 seats. “After three elections, Congress could not cross the 100-seat mark. The total number of seats won by all their allies combined is still less than what BJP won alone,” he said.
Nadda highlighted that in 13 states, Congress failed to win a single seat. In states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh, where Congress faced direct competition from BJP on 64 seats, it won only two seats while BJP secured 62. Congress’ strike rate was 26 per cent when contesting alone and 50 per cent when allied with other parties, indicating its dependency on others’ votes, he pointed out. He described Congress as a “parasitic party” standing on crutches.
He further mentioned that despite Congress discussing the Constitution extensively during the elections, it was essential to remind everyone who really undermined it. He said Congress toppled elected governments 90 times. “They talk about the Ram temple, but for BJP, it is not just an election issue but a matter of faith. In 1987-88, BJP pledged to pave the way for the Ram temple, enduring many sacrifices and hardships. Finally, in January, we witnessed the consecration of the grand Ram temple,” he stated.
Discussing Uttar Pradesh’s achievements, Nadda highlighted that UP has now become the second-largest economy in India. “There was a time when people migrated from the state. Traveling from Delhi to Bulandshahr used to take the whole day. Now, no one travels to Delhi the night before to reach Mathura. They confidently say, “Call me by 8 AM, and I’ll take the expressway to get there”.
He said UP was witnessing a surge in expressways, elevated roads, underpasses, and bypasses. “Medical colleges and AIIMS have been established within the last decade,” he remarked.
“Earlier, traveling to Gorakhpur meant a five-hour struggle after getting off at Lucknow. Patients had to seek treatment for Japanese encephalitis. Today, we proudly say that world-class health systems have been created in Varanasi and Gorakhpur in eastern Uttar Pradesh. Who would have imagined international airports here? Uttar Pradesh is now number one in ethanol production, producing 118 crore litres,” Nadda added.
