The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party is working to expand on a two-track basis. The first is by recruiting influential leaders from other parties, particularly Congress. Although this may involve a small number of leaders, their influence is significant. Second, the party is focusing on enrolling a large number of new members.Former Jharkhand Mukti Morcha Chief Minister Champai Soren joined the BJP after current CM Hemant Soren, allegedly involved in a scam, was released last week and resumed his post. This move adds to the trend of influential chief ministers joining the BJP, highlighting the party’s strategic success.

The BJP embraces well-known leaders from other parties as they bring their influence and workers along. —Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, imported from Congress, is a classic example. Sarma has become the go-to man in the Northeast.

Absence of value-based politics

According to the National Election Watch-ADR, the main reasons for defections and party switching are the absence of value-based politics, greed for money and power, rewarding political positions, and lack of efficient, honest, and credible leaders.

BJP has plans to recruit 100 million new members on a parallel track. At last week’s meeting, the BJP leadership decided that the drive would be in two phases: September 2 to 25 and October 1 to 15.

BJP has 180 million members

Over the last decade, the BJP has seen significant growth. In the 1980s, upper-middle-class, urban, and Hindus primarily supported the BJP. It has since built a broader political base, showing its increasing influence. The BJP has overtaken Congress and is already the world’s largest party, with 180 million members. The Grand Old Party, Congress, has 130 million members.