Nagpur, Jan 5: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated on Sunday that the BJP is the sole national party that is not “owned” by a single family, but rather by its dedicated workers.
During a party event, Fadnavis emphasized that the BJP functions as a democratic organization. He noted that while there are over 2,300 registered parties in the country, only a few can truly be considered national parties.
Fadnavis pointed out that among these, only the BJP and the Communist Party of India are not family-owned entities.
He claimed that nearly all the other 2,300 parties operate as private ventures.
“The Communist Party of India has ceased to be a national party. The BJP stands out as the only national party owned by the people and its workers. No leader possesses ownership over the party, which adheres to its constitution,” said Fadnavis, adding that the Communist Party of India (Marxist) is still classified as a national party.
In reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ascent from humble origins, Fadnavis remarked that the BJP is unique, as it allows individuals like a tea vendor to rise to the position of Chief Minister (of Gujarat) and eventually become Prime Minister.
He highlighted that Modi had no political relatives or influential figures backing him, yet he still achieved the highest office.
Reflecting on his own political journey, Fadnavis recounted that he started at the booth level, progressed to becoming ward president, and has served as Chief Minister three times. “This is a feat achievable only within the BJP. We are a party for the people and by the workers,” he said.
Additionally, he launched a special membership drive for the party in Nagpur, announcing that the BJP has verified 11 crore members, making it the largest political party in the world.
The BJP aims to register an additional 1.5 crore members from Maharashtra.
In follow-up discussions with reporters, Fadnavis revealed that this special membership drive is being executed at 1 lakh booths statewide, with the goal of signing up 25 lakh new members on Sunday. (Agencies)
