It is twenty-five years since the party was born on April 6,1980. Yet it looks as if that happened only yesterday. The Jan Sangh workers converged in large numbers at Ambedkar Stadium, New Delhi. The party men were passing through a period of mixed feelings. On the one hand was a sense of relief that we came out of the Janata Party because of humiliation the party men faced for their affiliation with the Rastriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), and, on the other, the hope and determination to make the new party a grand success. The same emotion echoed in the speeches of leaders. Eventually, with support of the people BJP came into being with the soul of Jana Sangh. This was evident, in the least, from the nomenclature, flag and constitution of the party. Even now, when critics talk about the relationship between RSS and BJP, they forget to appreciate that the BJP came into being with RSS as its soul. BJP is associated with the RSS right from its inception and it will remain so forever. At times relationships do pass through testing times but the BJP is proud of its association with the RSS through thick and thin.
The first Mahadhiveshan of the party was held at Samta Nagar, Bandra in Mumbai on December 28, 29 and 30 in 1980. On that occasion Justice MC Chagla had forecast: "Who says there is no alternative to the Congress? The only alternative to the Congress is there in front of me. I see a future Prime Minister in Atalji." And his prophetic words turned out to be true 16 years later. In 1996, BJP emerged as the single largest party in Lok Sabha. Atalji took oath as Prime Minister of India. Two years later, Atalji became the Prime Minister again and was successful in running the government effectively and smoothly for six years. It proved that the oath taken in 1996 was not an accident. Within 25 years the BJP under the leadership of Atalji tasted power at the Centre for six years -- not a mean achievement by any standards. Similarly, BJP was also voted into power in states like Uttar Pradesh, Madya Pradesh, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Goa, Jharkhand, Chattissgarh and Arunachal Pradesh. This again is a big achievement for the Party. Our role as a coalition partner in the state governments in Maharashtra, Orissa and Punjab is a proof of our strength in these states. In Parliament the party stands represented from all parts of the country from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Andaman Nicobar Islands except Kerala. The party is proud to emerge as the single largest party in Karnataka Assembly.