BJP must never let its new edifice dwarf the selfless efforts of its karyakartas
The BJP has a new house and congratulations are in order for the world's largest political party on its griha pravesh into what party president iterated was the world's biggest office of any political party. At a massive 1.70 lakh square feet, this edifice will take some topping. It is also entirely apposite that, following a Supreme Court order to the effect, the ruling party has become the first major national party to move out the lutyens' Zone bungalows which have served as party headquarters for political organisations in India for many decades now. Indeed, we wish a speedy removal of the offices of other parties to their allotted plots as soon as possible too, now that the BJP has shown the will and paved the way. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid fulsome tribute to party doyens including lK Advani, who was present on the occasion, while Shah impressed upon the gathering of the party faithful the hi-tech, environment-friendly features of the BJP's new office complex that would enable real-time communication between the leadership and the cadre.
Younger karyakartas of the party were visibly thrilled and articulate about their pride in belonging to a political organisation that has its sights set firmly on the future. Older party workers even brushed aside a tear or two; having seen the valleys, as it were, they were understandably emotional at this peak being scaled. It is in these sentiments — the sacrifices made and sense of ownership which committed karyakartas feel — which the party must invest and its grand new office play welcoming host to. For, a committed cadre-based organisational structure is unique to the Communist parties and the BJP in India and Party HQ must always be the nerve-centre of the pulse of the organisation. Old timers still recall how even senior party office-bearers, including those who lived on the premises, would squeeze into tiny ‘rooms at the back' of the Ashoka Road office, keeping open house for all manner of visitors including the odd journalist who made the effort of rooting them out. While none should grudge a few creature comforts to the leaders of an ever-expanding BJP, especially the communication tools which will be at their disposal, the party brass has to make a concerted effort to ensure that the sense of camaraderie and civility that has been a hallmark of the party organisation does not dissipate.
A spatial environment within which working in self-contained silos is discouraged and an organisational culture open to ideas and debate is enabled would be an apt tribute to the sacrifice of the ordinary karyakarta who has made the party what it is today.