‘THE BJP'S STRENGTH IS ITS COHESION'

At the helm of India’s dominant political party, BJP national president JAGAT PRAKASH NADDA, in an exclusive interview with Group Editorial Director (Publishing) Raj Chengappa and Senior Editor Anilesh S. Mahajan, reveals what makes the organisation the powerhouse it is today and how it prepares for future challenges. Excerpts

- Raj Chengappa and Anilesh S. Mahajan

Q. You played sports when you were young. Does that background help you now in taking decisions and running a political party?

A. Yes. I was a running champion and won both sprint and long-distance events. I was also a swimmer and was Bihar No. 4. I even swam across the Ganga in Patna six times. In both politics and sports, it is necessary to focus and be consistent. You also have to wait for opportunities, so you need to be patient.

Q. When you took over as BJP president from Amit Shah, the party had already won two back-to-back general elections along with several major assembly polls. What priorities did you set out for yourself when you assumed charge?

A. My thinking process is a little different. I believe I should give my best to whatever is given to me. I am a very content person and believe in my own ability to deliver. Generally, people think they will do this, this and this if they come into a certain position. I believe in continuity of things. So, after taking stock and strengthening the existing structure, you scale up. I never thought I had become president because there was a need for change. Amit Shah had put in five long years of effort, which yielded results. My responsibility was to push things forward in the same manner. We became the world’s largest political party under his presidentship. My responsibility was to connect with the new members and turn supporters into workers. I was not starting a new project, only taking it forward. That was my priority. He (Shah) brought the booth system to the page (of the voters’ list). I am trying to see the page gets converted into a committee.