What Next for the BJP? (Part 7)
by Rajesh Jain and Amit Malviya
Organisation (continued)
With this background, how is it that the BJP can create a process by which it can keep winning - and winning. Here are the elements that it needs to create:
- On-Ground Presence: BJP needs to create Constituency-level teams that keeps working through the years, builds database of people (supporters, undecideds, etc.), and has constant visibility through the years. This helps in creating and protecting ‘market share’ for the party. Voters must be able to interact, get problems solved, etc. The team must include 1-2 ‘leaders’ with a clean, professional background who could even contest the election if needed.
- Funding: There needs to be a way by which the BJP can collect micropayments. Currently, the party relies on a few large donors. This needs to be complemented by millions of people giving Rs 100-1000 per year. This money pool is not being tapped into. By getting people to make small contributions, the party will also get their implicit commitment and votes.
Taken together, these two components can create a strong foundation. The Funding must take care of the On-Ground Presence, and that presence will in turn provide the Funding - creating a model that can be scaled up across India. This needs to create a presence at all 3 levels - corporation (or panchayat in rural areas), state, Lok Sabha.
In addition, the party needs to activate its sources of youth leadership (BJYM, ABVP) to expand the base to attract those in sync with the party’s ideology, work closely with the RSS through the latter’s social programmes, and create new channels like the Friends of BJP which can connect with urbanising Middle India. The party needs to start appealing to the new, younger India with a contemporary message - thus expanding its base.
The party also needs to encourage and enable lateral entry of youth and professionals into it - they will bring freshness and enthusiasm along with their own networks which can help diversify the party’s base.
The party must start ensuring that it is present in every one of the 543 constituencies of India. States like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and Kerala account for about 150 seats - and the party has barely a presence there. This needs to change.
The old way of fighting and winning elections has to change. Through these initiatives, the party can create something new and modern, and something even more powerful because this will create a market share (in votes) which no other party will be easily able to break into.
Tomorrow: Opposition Party Role, Conclusion
Comments
24 Responses to “What Next for the BJP? (Part 7)”
Dear Friends,
The Congress has a head start in rebuilding the organisation. In fact the BJP slept between 2004 to 2009 and shamelessly approached the voters during election time in Tamilnadu.I like a fool wasted my time and made around 20 people vote for a losing cause. People are cheesed off and will not vote for spoilers which is what the BJP is in Tamilnadu except for 2 constituencies.
The BJP will get votes in Tamilnadu if it is there in the top two in any constituency. We need to have a sustained campaign to enroll members and for that to happen the party badly needs a leader. The present leadership in Tamilnadu has to be changed for better results. Thirunavakkarasu is the right person to become state president in my opinion.
Rajesh Jain / Amit Malviya,
All your and everyone else’s articles are good. Many of the comments posted in response are also good.
Are we going to only post articles and comments or are we going to consolidate everything in a coherent manner, prepare a presentation and pitch it to a broad BJP leadership? Hope to hear from you here on via an other article. Thanks!
Same is the case in Kerala. People are frustrated with the Left and Congress. BJP needs to project itself as the alternative in Kerala. It needs a strong leader with a vision. I know its a tough task to win in Kerala but its not impossible. By projecting to the people how Left and Congress have ruined the state, and how BJP can create a difference we could win in Kerala. O.Rajagopal came close to winning in Trivandrum in 2004 when he polled more than 1.5 Lacs votes. With the right leader, right candidates and right campaigning, BJP can win in Kerala.
A.P.Iyer, how can we bring these good comments or any presentations worthy of being looked into by the BJP top leaders. Do you think they will look into these suggestions ?. What will be the role of RSS in the party in the future ?. What will be the role of VHP, Bajran Dal in the future in the party ?. There are plenty of questions that need to be answered.
skg,
You make valid points and raise valid questions.
Friends of bjp does have relationships with senior BJP functionaries such as Arun jaitley, arun shourie, etc.
All the articles written post elections along with many comments can be filtered, analysed collated and put in form of a 20 slide presentation that covers various key issues. They key issues have already been highlighted - governance, party org., idealogy, media communication, etc. The key action items, key risks can be pointed under each issue.
Friends of BJP can especially help in reaching out to middle India, help in policy research and formulations and actually contributing to intellectual right wing idea generation and information dissemination. We can also help in shaping debates in education institutions and most importantly can take on the media.
My two cents on the the specific questions of RSS, VHP, BD. I think BJP should never sever ties with RSS. RSS is an awesome organization and does some phenomenal work. Go to wikipedia and check. I have seen it first hand. The issue is with “image management” and clearing the “misconceptions” about hindutva. Both the BJP and RSS needs to make a strategy and spend resources on image management. BD and VHP does need to be reigned in and they should be asked to carry out their agenda in a more democratic manner. For eg. to protest against conversions they should keep filing court cases instead of indulging in some nuisance.
VHP and Bajrang dal are creating a bad image to the BJP by indulging in Vandalism and taking justice into their hands. Often the western media calls them Hindu extremists and covers badly about them. As you said they should file court cases instead of indulging in some nuisance, I fully support that. Did BJP define its friendship with these groups ?. They just can’t befriend them without any parameters. BJP should only associate with RSS and keep VHP and Bajrangdal out of interfering with BJP governments or the party.
To
My Dear fellows,
Referance to post –>
skg on June 17th, 2009 6:08 am
—
Hereforth I wish to mention to all the dear intellectual fellows of My dear country who have posted their valuable comments on this website.-
RSS is not silent , BJP is not crumbled.
I wish to bring it to your notice that this website is being read by both BJP people and RSS people. They are still interested in Hindutva .
Religion can stay only when human progress takes place . With this motive BJP-NDA wishes to curb corruption related problems.
Hindutva doesnot mean religious fanaticism, it means to live life religiously and honestly. The general name given to Hindutwa is for all those scriptures ,activities and preachings that are mentioned in any of the Hindu Philosophy.
I approach to all of you with a request that please do post your views on this website as and when any idea comes to your mind. We are eager to know and read your views. I again affirm you that the BJP shall surely try our level best to take up all relevant points.
In case you find some proofs for what you say PLEASE mention them,that shall stregthen our stand for the cause.
To
My Dear fellows,
Referance to post –>
skg on June 17th, 2009 6:08 am
—
Hereforth I wish to mention to all the dear intellectual fellows of My dear country who have posted their valuable comments on this website.-
RSS is not silent , BJP is not crumbled.
I wish to bring it to your notice that this website is being read by both BJP people and RSS people. They are still interested in Hindutva .
Religion can stay only when human progress takes place . With this motive BJP-NDA wishes to curb corruption related problems.
Hindutva doesnot mean religious fanaticism, it means to live life religiously and honestly. The general name given to Hindutwa is for all those scriptures ,activities and preachings that are mentioned in any of the Hindu Philosophy.
I approach to all of you with a request that please do post your views on this website as and when any idea comes to your mind. We are eager to know and read your views. I again affirm you that the BJP shall surely try our level best to take up all relevant points.
In case you find some proofs for what you say PLEASE mention them,that shall stregthen our stand for the cause.
With respect to vies of “” AP.Iyer on June 18th, 2009 12:00 pm”" ,
I wish to mention that all the services need political motivation. English left India due to cooperative motivation from all the states of India and the World Wars. There was an indirect indication that America wanted to have it’s control over Asian lands and England having become 2nd rate power after the war - it came to terms.
BJP feels that the services rendered by RSS need to get credit. If you people feel that RSS should get credit for what it has done and it is doing “the awsome work and awsome organization”,as it is quoted, PLEASE do support the stance of BJP-RSS friendship. It can be taken as an assurance that RSS shall not get diluted anytime.
We at RSS are not illiterate people. you may checkout on website or Wikipaedia, all the leaders are well educated. Wee Sangh parivar are not those social sewaks who do the work of service because they are unemployed. RSS people are intellectual and positively charged people .
Swayam Sevak,
A lot of BJP supporter do understand the correct meaning of Hindutva - cultural nationalism - and do appreciate the work done by RSS. Thereby, we also want the RSS - BJP relation to continue as always.
However, what a number of people are suggesting is that there needs to be better and proactive media management - wider reach, simple and correct communication of their work and message, confronting the hostile media and create awareness. Frankly speaking, media management by both RSS and BJP is not upto any good standards. Supporters of BJP / RSS are urging it to spend money and time on this aspect. This will not ensure that everything will suddenly be hunky dory, but it is an important aspect to which requires due attention and resources. Thanks!
Namaskar Iyer , thanks for your Reply.
media is not the real problem for BJP. There are various other problems .
1)
One of the most important pressure for anti Hindutwa movement is the pan international Hindu presence in many Multinationals and political fields .
America , NewZealand, Brazil,Europe are four major parts where those people have seen the talent and high spiritual motivation, the self control and balane of mind that Indians(mostly Hindus) display. this has made them shudder of the belief that ” Hindus means Pigs and useless beggers”.
2) Excessive Oil Dependence of India on Muslim countries.
almost all the chemicals and fertilizers are made from oil imported from foreign countries.this makes them issue mandates under the minority affairs, International relations ,Human resource management programmes , to permit their people to be in India.
If you want to reduce this problem, please try to reduce oil dependence . One of the most important thing you can do is to carry a Khadi Carrybag for shopping .
Oil is needed for producing Plastics . A survey by eco-friendly associations suggests 1 single person can help the nation reduce 1 barrel of oil per Year by not using plasic bags for vegetable purchase or other shoppings. dont feel ashamed of it , instead you should feel patriotic.
jay Hind.
Swayam Sevak,
While you have a perspective that I appreciate, it is hard to say that only what you mention are the reasons for BJP’s / Hindutva’s debacle.
Firstly, I do not think Hindutva = Hindu, so we should stay away from that debate and understand the real meaning. A quick search for the meaning of Hindutva in wikipedia does the trick for me. While I do agree that some developed countries are increasing cautious of the rise of India and Indians, but, the questions is “so what do we do”?
Second, oil dependence should be less is a correct strategic and economic prerogative, but should not be merely perceived as a hindu vs. muslim issue.
Third, media may not be the the main problem for the BJP/RSS, but it is one of the problems.
We cannot tackle any problem by a single approach. A multi-approach solution needs to be adopted on different fronts.
Thanks!
Swayam Sevak, please don’t live in denial. Your comment that Media is not the issue is incorrect. Media has extensively damaged the prospects of BJP coming back to power. People like Prannoy Roy, Sardeep Desai, TOI, IE, International Media, Western Media have demonized BJP. They think that under BJP, christians and muslims will be butchered like in Kandhamal and Godhra. Oil dependence issue is faced by almost all the countries of the world. I don’t see a relation between Oil dependence and BJP failing. How can you explain the infighting in Rajasthan and the loss of 20 L.S seats there ?. Media has extensively carried infighting between R.S.S and BJP Cadres in Rajasthan and itwas BJP which hurt itself in Rajasthan. Why did RSS/BJP ignored key state like A.P?. Why do you guys keep incompetent Dattatreya when he failed to take the party expansion beyond twin cities ?.
Yes, I agree, media ( english ) is NOT a issue here though it helps.
First, BJP neither came to power with the help of media in 90s and nor lost in 2009.
Lets reason.
The IPL2 was watched by 15 million viewers, so, how many would have watched NDTV, let’s say 1 million or 2 million? assuming 2 million watched, lets say they are spread across 20 constituencies (mean metros), that is one lakh, even if these guys voted against BJP (after watching Barka?) and lost, then only 20 seats media had impacted, what about rest and rural seats?
Someone would argue 20 seats too matters, I agree, what I say is, media is not the reason for the debacle and infact aiming to be media friendly has cost BJP as leaders were busy fighting debates in front of the camera rather than fighting it out in streets.
Even 2 million viewership is far fetched, considering bigboss (hindi - regional) had 4-5 million. so, media impact could be even lesser than 20 seats, say 10 or 5? Only english media can answer how they really impact, I’m sure they wouldn’t say that “they have lesser impact”, would they?
If you have Hindi fonts , please read this,
http://parshuram27.blogspot.com/2009/06/blog-post_18.html
this will give you new perspective .
It is is really impressive.
Namaskar Iyer, Siva, SKG, thankas for your reply, The reason we have come up to discuss the issue on why BJP fell is because we all here care for its victory.
Congress was the party once upon a time for which people use to get beaten from Britishers and go to gallows happily, seeing the present situation I feel those freedom fighters must be feeling ashamed.
I agree with the ‘Swayam sewak’ on all points along with that , that points you 3 people put are worth pondering.
I feel that we should talk about these things to the public around us in the society and offices.
To - Iyer,
It was well said by you that oil dependence is strategic issue not Hindu/Muslim issue,
but Congress is making it Hindu/Muslim issue.
VHP,RSS,HSS,all came up only at later stage,
BJP from janta Party, all were a later outbursts of excessive pamper of congress to the people of foreign religion.
I need to draw your kind attention that NCP , BSP,SP, are products of divided congress. It is not that only BJP has internal problems. So dont make a fuss of it.
Relating to media as your only point to which you have stuck upon , I personally accept that BJP went down with that and kept on cursing Congress and Sonia Gandhi only.
Instead BJP should show how their rule can change the situation for Sikh,Jain,Budh,Parsi. This will bring unity among Hindu people and the other religion for Hindus.
RSS is the only place for Hindus when Hindus can take shelter and grow. RSS has been taking steps to unite and invoke all other Registered and Unregistered Social welfare societies for mutual sustainable growth.
To SKG,
BJP neglected Andra Pradesh. Andra Pradesh has its own party and tamil Nadu also has it’s own party. parties of both state have a history of infightings. Botha these parties are known for getting into alliance with the victor party. Thus it was difficult .
I am not a member of BJP so I dont know much about their stategic reasons .
i am a little confused here.. first we say that hindutva means secularism.. because hindu religiion does not differentiate between 2 religions.. but then why do we talk about hindu unity only… agreed congress has been resorting to pseudo-secularism… but why cant bjp embrace true secularism… in other words true hindutva.. and try to unite all indians, including muslims, sikhs, jains, christians, dalits, tribals etc.. and not just hindus hindus and hindus… let us talk about india and indians only.. jai hind
Hello King , your name is surprisingly secular , Good.
BJP is not having any major problem with anyone except muslims because congress supports muslims,nothing else.
Secular was the word used in our constitution so that Minority is not hurt. BJP now feels what majority of General Quota and some SC/ST feel that muslims are being praised and pampered without any such reasons.
@ Arjun, i agree.. thats what is called pseudo-secularism i guess.. which congress follows.. but as i understand, hindutva is not pseudo-secularism.. it is equal to humanity and indian-ness.. true secularism.. then why is is that many people are calling for “hindu unity” etc.. shouldnt we talk about “india unity”… without any kind of appeasement… isnt that true hindutva…
RSS should not only recruit Hindus but it should recruit Jains, Sikhs, Parsis, Buddhists,Jews who are not enemical of Hindus.
King, Hinduism is one of the oldest faith rather than a religion. It believes in the welfar of humanity ( “Sarve Jana Sukhino Bhavantu” ).Even Bhagavadgita talks about the welfare of Humanity ( Manusinam). However, the religions like Islam and Christiantity have a very narrow vision in which they descriminate between an insider and outsider ( believer vs non-believer) like Kaafir in Islam and non-believers going to hell in Christianity. Both of these religions preaching converting people into their faith by using sword/force or other dubious ways. India always followed western countries in most of the ways, and since the west has to believe secularism to prevent christians killing jews, jews killing Muslims, Muslims killing Jews/Christians. So, B.R.Ambedkar, Nehru, Gandhi coined the word secular to give protection to all other religions including Hindus in India in 1947.However, congress practices Pseudo-secularism by heavily appeasing Minorities to win elections, compromising with national security and giving freebies and using media to spread their propaganda.
@ skg.. i agree with you.. congress follows pseudo-secularism… but shouldnt the bjp counter it by following true-secularism.. or true-hinduism.. where we consider all as equals.. we do not believe in kaafirs/non-believers etc.. we believe in humanity.. then whey are certain supporters of bjp calling for hindu-jaagran, hindu unity, and calling bjp a party for hindus etc.. lets broaden our reach.. without resorting to appeasement that is..
Most Hindu cowards like myself would like to blame Modi and Varun for BJP’s loss because we have no balls. We are a**holes who will bow down and forever take sh1t from anyone & everyone.
Incidentally, this article is plain pathetic.