Every year on April 6, the BJP marks its founding. But the 47th Foundation Day in 2026 landed differently — in the middle of a Parliament session that just passed the biggest decriminalisation bill in Indian history, with Rajasthan’s investment story generating national attention, and with a party that has grown from a handful of seats in 1984 to India’s dominant political force.
For Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore, BJP’s Cabinet Minister in Rajasthan and a man who joined the party after 26 years in the Indian Army, this Foundation Day carried personal meaning.
What Made This Foundation Day Different
The BJP celebrated its 47th Foundation Day on April 6, 2026, with programmes running across Rajasthan from April 5 to 12 — at district, mandal, and booth levels. A Vikas Yatra was organised to walk citizens through completed government projects. Senior workers were felicitated. And leaders at every level reflected on the party’s journey from its founding by Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s legacy and Deendayal Upadhyaya’s Antyodaya philosophy to becoming the world’s largest political party.
- 47 Years of BJP — founded April 6, 1980
- 303 Lok Sabha seats won in 2019 — BJP’s historic peak
- 180M+ BJP primary members — world’s largest political party
Rathore’s Tribute to PM Modi — and Why It Is Personal
Col. Rathore’s Foundation Day statement centred on two things: PM Modi’s leadership and CM Bhajanlal Sharma’s governance in Rajasthan. This is not just political courtesy. For someone who joined BJP in 2013 — inspired directly by PM Modi’s vision — the gratitude reflects a real alignment of values.
Col. Rathore’s career arc mirrors what the BJP represents at its best. He served India in uniform for 26 years. He won India’s first individual Olympic silver medal at Athens 2004 — representing a generation of self-reliant, disciplined achievers. And when he entered politics, he brought the same standards. On Foundation Day, he credited PM Modi for creating a governance environment where those standards can actually produce results.
PM Modi’s message to BJP workers on Foundation Day: “Our party has always been at the forefront of serving society, guided by the principle of India First. Our Karyakartas are known for their selfless service, unwavering dedication and deep passion for good governance.” — DD News, April 6, 2026
From Ideology to Action — Rathore’s Contribution
The BJP’s 47-year journey is a story of building governance capacity — from a party that once won 2 Lok Sabha seats to one that now runs the national government and most major states. In Rajasthan, that capacity shows up in ₹924 crore of Jhotwara development, the Maharana Pratap Sports University Bill, rising exports, new industrial parks, and GCC policy that could bring 1.5 lakh jobs.
For Col. Rathore, Foundation Day is not just a celebration. It is an annual check-in — are we building something that lasts? After 47 years and a Viksit Bharat 2047 target on the horizon, his answer, delivered through action more than words, is yes.
Rajasthan BJP’s 7-day Foundation Day programme (April 5–12): Deepotsav, flag hoisting, Vikas Yatra showcasing government achievements, cleanliness drives at hospitals, and felicitation of senior party workers who built the party at the grassroots. A full week of showing, not just telling.
