“All it takes, is a little push!”
These words have echoed through history, and they found their resonance in Indian politics precisely a decade ago. One decision, just one decision, changed the face of Indian politics for once and for all. It wasn’t an easy call to make, but the man at the helm of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) knew that if he didn’t take the plunge, there was no way forward for his party. That man was Rajnath Singh, the then-president of the BJP. The moment he chose Narendra Damodardas Modi as the prime ministerial candidate was the moment ‘Achche Din’ actually arrived for the party!
Before 2013, the BJP was akin to the Indian cricket team of the 90s: shining in bits and parts but biting the dust when it came to national supremacy. Jibes like “Cow Belt Party” and “Hindu nationalists” weren’t uncommon. Even the masses doubted if this party had the potential to trump the long-standing Congress, despite their six-year-long stint in power at the Centre from 1998 to 2004.
Many factors contributed to this situation, but the primary reason was a clear lack of consensus. Despite Lal Krishna Advani being at the helm of affairs, BJP’s performance since 2004 was anything but impressive. They had a golden opportunity to trump Congress but squandered it, winning fewer seats than in 2004 itself.
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As 2014 drew near and Congress-led UPA’s popularity reached its nadir, expectations were high for a credible prime ministerial candidate from the opposition. However, until late 2013, the BJP was not even considered a credible opposition party, despite the popularity of the then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi. Moreover, Chief Minister Modi wasn’t viewed kindly by the top brass of the BJP, especially by Lal Krishna Advani. The growing popularity of Narendra Modi couldn’t be ignored any longer, and it was up to Rajnath Singh to resolve this dilemma.
Rajnath Singh knew that his decision would invoke the ire of the old guard within the BJP. However, having suffered ignominy of his own after being removed from power as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh in 2002, he didn’t want to take any second chances. Against all opposition, he chose Narendra Modi as the prime ministerial candidate, and since then, the BJP has never looked back!
It was a bold move, no doubt. Many seasoned politicians within the BJP were wary of Narendra Modi’s ascent. They questioned his ability to lead the nation effectively and his appeal beyond the state of Gujarat. But Rajnath Singh’s faith in Modi’s vision and leadership was unwavering. He saw in Modi the potential to galvanize the party and offer a credible alternative to the incumbent government.
In the run-up to the 2014 elections, Narendra Modi’s popularity soared. His message of development, good governance, and a corruption-free India resonated with the masses. As the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate, he brought fresh energy and enthusiasm to the party’s campaign. Rajnath Singh’s decision to back Modi began to pay off.
The 2014 Lok Sabha elections were a turning point in Indian political history. The BJP, under the leadership of Narendra Modi, secured a resounding victory, winning 282 out of 543 seats. It was a historic mandate that sent shockwaves across the political landscape. The ‘Achche Din’ promised by the BJP had arrived.
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Narendra Modi took office as the 14th Prime Minister of India, and under his leadership, the government embarked on a journey of transformative reforms and initiatives. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Make in India, Digital India, and the Jan Dhan Yojana were among the many initiatives aimed at uplifting the lives of ordinary Indians.
In 2019, the BJP returned to power with an even more decisive mandate, reaffirming the faith of the people in Narendra Modi’s leadership. The party’s commitment to development, national security, and social welfare resonated with a wide spectrum of the Indian population.
Looking back at that pivotal decision made by Rajnath Singh ten years ago, it becomes evident that it was more than just a political move. It was a watershed moment that altered the course of Indian politics. The BJP transformed from a party struggling for consensus into a formidable political force with a clear vision and unwavering leadership.
Today, as we reflect on the journey of the BJP and the impact of that decision, it is clear that sometimes, all it takes is a little push – a bold and visionary decision – to shape the destiny of a nation. Rajnath Singh’s choice to back Narendra Modi as the prime ministerial candidate was precisely that push, and it changed the face of Indian politics forever. The ‘Achche Din’ that the BJP promised became a reality, not just for the party but for the entire nation.
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