BJP and Leadership Development: Does the Party Make Leaders or Simply Buy Them?

In the political sphere, particularly in India, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is often scrutinized for its methods of recruiting and retaining leaders. The question of whether the BJP makes leaders or simply buys them has sparked considerable debate. This article explores the theories and evidence that support each viewpoint, highlighting the unique leadership development programs offered by the BJP and the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh).

The BJP's Approach to Leadership Development

The BJP's leadership span is broad and wide-ranging, from national to regional levels. This diversity raises the question of how the party maintains a consistent level of discipline and integrity among its leaders. The BJP often supplements its core leadership with individuals from various backgrounds, some of whom it may attract with political incentives.

Success Cases: Leaders Formed Through the BJP-RSS Pipeline

One of the most notable success stories is that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi's journey began as a Swayamsevak (self-servant) in the RSS, an organization known for its rigorous training and dedication to its principles. This background shines through in his leadership style, characterized by integrity and a deep sense of service to the nation.

The RSS's Crucial Role in Leadership Development

The RSS plays a significant role in the development and nurturing of leaders who eventually join the BJP. The RSS is known for its extensive training and service-oriented culture. Here is an interesting anecdote that sheds light on this:

During my college days, I was part of the RSS Shakha (branch). One of our teammates dedicated himself entirely to social service, completing his prathmik (initial) training and then moving on to various services. He shared with me that he stayed in an RSS Ashram or school instead of a hostel or PG. He prepared food, helped in cleaning the Ashram, and woke up early every day. No fees were charged; residents could donate according to their capability.

On one occasion, our examination center was quite far, so when we arrived, I was hungry and asked him if he wanted to have lunch. He mentioned he had the habit of staying hungry for days. Curious, I asked the reason, and he explained that during his service in relief camps or election campaigning, he traveled extensively—sometimes in UP, and a few times in Maharashtra. He had experienced days without food or water, sometimes sleeping in tents or on people's porches.

This rigorous training and discipline instilled in RSS members prepare them for leadership roles. The desire for political positions among RSS members is often seen as a natural progression of their service-oriented culture.

The Reality of Buying Leaders

While the BJP places a strong emphasis on idealistic leadership, there are instances where political incentives are used to attract and retain leaders. The party sometimes offers lucrative officer positions, financial incentives, or other privileges to certain MLAs (Members of Legislative Assembly) and politicians to ensure their support.

These leaders, while helpful in the short term, often have limited roles and duties. They are primarily there to bolster the BJP's support base and assist in governance. However, leaders holding important ministries or positions within the BJP’s hierarchy generally have a background rooted in the RSS and ABVP (All India Bakchod Vakil Pariwar), reflecting a similar journey as described above.

For instance, many BJP leaders, including several cabinet ministers and chief ministers, are known to have started their journey as either Swayamsevaks in the RSS or members of the ABVP (All India Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad). These leaders carry the mantle of their service-oriented backgrounds, even as they assume more significant political roles.

Conclusion

The BJP's approach to leadership development is multifaceted. While it clearly attracts and nurtures leaders through its own training programs, it also employs incentives to retain certain key figures. The RSS, in particular, plays a critical role in shaping the leaders who join the BJP, providing them with a foundation of discipline, service, and integrity. Whether the BJP truly "makes" leaders or simply "buys" them depends on one's perspective, but it is clear that the organization values and harnesses the potential of idealistic individuals to drive political change.

It is important to note that the BJP's strategy for retaining and developing leaders is not exclusive to the RSS; there are instances of leaders from diverse backgrounds being integrated into the BJP through political incentives. However, the foundation laid by the RSS remains a defining factor in the growth and sustenance of many prominent BJP leaders.