### Despite Many Storms, the Lamp Never Dimmed

**New Delhi:** Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the membership renewal campaign for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the world's largest political party, at the expanded headquarters on Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Marg, New Delhi, on Monday afternoon. The campaign began with PM Modi renewing his membership through a missed call, following the BJP's constitution, which mandates this formality every six years. The BJP's National President, J.P. Nadda, initiated the membership renewal process by renewing PM Modi's membership, marking the start of the campaign across the nation, except in Jammu & Kashmir, Haryana, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra.

The event was graced by senior BJP leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and Piyush Goyal, among others.

During the launch, PM Modi became emotional, reminiscing about the early days of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the BJP's predecessor. He emphasized that the party's journey to its current stature was not easy, with many generations contributing to its growth. Reflecting on his time with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Modi recalled how Jana Sangh workers would paint the party's election symbol, a lamp, on walls with great enthusiasm, despite being mocked by leaders of other political parties. He remarked that these workers' devotion ensured that the symbol, once painted on walls, eventually found its place in the hearts of millions. He added that despite facing numerous challenges and storms, the party's symbol, the lamp, never dimmed, and the lotus it inspired now spreads its fragrance across the nation.

PM Modi also touched on the ridicule the party faced when it had only two members in Parliament, but they remained dedicated to the nation's welfare, embodying the "Nation First" spirit. He asserted that the BJP thrives on challenges, determined to bloom the lotus in every heart where difficulties arise. Modi credited the BJP with introducing a new political culture in India, emphasizing the importance of internal democracy within political organizations, which he believes is crucial for maintaining democratic values in the country.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in his address, highlighted that the BJP is the world's largest and most unique party, as it renews its membership every six years democratically. Shah stressed that BJP workers serve as a vital link between the government and the organization, with a legacy of national service dating back to 1950. He expressed confidence in achieving the goal of enrolling 10 crore new members and cited the party's significant achievements, such as the abrogation of Article 370, the construction of the Ram Temple, and the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor.

BJP President J.P. Nadda noted that despite having 18 crore members, the party adheres to Article 9 of its constitution, requiring membership renewal every six years. He announced that following the membership drive, elections for booths, mandals, districts, states, and the nation would be held democratically. The membership campaign, which will primarily be conducted digitally, aims to surpass the previous total of 18 crore members.

The BJP's membership drive is seen as the start of the party's internal survey ahead of the election of a new party president. The first phase of the campaign will run until September 25, followed by a review before the second phase begins on October 1. The campaign will conclude on October 15, after which the registration of active members will take place from October 16 to 31. These active members will play a key role in organizational elections.

Party sources indicated that there are no plans to appoint an interim president before the election of a permanent president, meaning J.P. Nadda will continue to hold the position. The campaign is largely digital, leveraging the party's 10 lakh active members, and aims to enroll over 10 crore new members, excluding states with upcoming elections.

With the previous campaign resulting in 18 crore members, the BJP is optimistic about surpassing this number in the current drive. New members can join the party via a missed call, scanning a QR code, the NaMo app, or the BJP website, while traditional paper registration methods will be used in remote areas.

It will be interesting to see if the BJP can exceed its current membership of 18 crore during this campaign.