The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is gearing up for a significant membership renewal campaign starting on September 1, 2024. This large-scale drive, aimed at reaffirming its base, will unfold in two phases, bringing a fresh wave of engagement among its vast membership.
Phased Membership Drive: A Strategic Approach
The membership campaign will be conducted in two distinct phases. The first phase will run from September 1 to September 25, followed by the second phase from October 1 to October 15. In this campaign, the membership status of all current BJP members will reset to zero, requiring them to re-enroll. This re-registration process echoes a similar strategy employed by the party in 2014, underlining its cyclical approach to maintaining an active and engaged membership base.
BJP’s Tradition of Membership Renewal
The BJP has a history of launching membership campaigns every six years, with the last major drive occurring in 2019. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2019 campaign faced interruptions, and the party had to pause the drive shortly after it began. Now, in 2024, the BJP is resuming this critical initiative, five years after the last attempt.
A Reset for the World’s Largest Political Party
Currently, the BJP stands as the largest political party globally, boasting a staggering 180 million members. However, as of August 20, 2024, the membership count will reset to zero, requiring all members to re-register. This move is not just a routine process; it’s a strategic effort to consolidate the party’s base and ensure that every member is actively engaged in its ongoing activities.
Membership Team and Campaign Phases
To ensure the smooth execution of this campaign, a dedicated membership team has been formed. The first phase of the campaign will focus on initial re-registrations from September 1 to September 25, followed by the second phase from October 1 to October 15. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to be the first member to re-register, setting the tone for the campaign’s success.
Active Membership Campaign to Follow
Following the general membership campaign, the BJP will initiate an active membership review committee on October 1. This review will pave the way for the active membership campaign, scheduled to run from October 16 to October 31. During this period, members will have the opportunity to transition from general to active membership, which entails a higher level of engagement and responsibility within the party.
Preparing for Organizational Elections
Between November 1 and November 10, the BJP will prepare the register of primary and active members. This register will serve as the foundation for the upcoming organizational elections, ensuring that the party’s structure is robust and that its leadership reflects the active and committed members.
Seamless Enrollment via Toll-Free Number
Like in previous campaigns, the BJP is simplifying the membership process by using a toll-free number. This time, the number 8800002024 has been designated for the campaign. Prospective members can give a missed call to this number, triggering an automated response that will send a registration link to their mobile phones. By following the link and filling in their details, individuals will receive a new membership number, marking their successful re-registration.
A Campaign to Reinforce BJP’s Dominance
This membership campaign is more than just an administrative exercise; it’s a strategic move by the BJP to reinforce its dominance in Indian politics. By requiring all members to re-register, the party ensures that its base remains active and engaged, ready to contribute to the party’s objectives in the lead-up to the next general elections.
As the BJP embarks on this ambitious membership drive, it solidifies its position as a political powerhouse, backed by a re-energized and re-engaged membership base. The coming months will be crucial as the party prepares for the next phase of its journey, with a renewed focus on its grassroots strength.
