…traces its roots to theBharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS; Indian People’s Association), which was established in 1951 as the political wing of the pro-Hindu group Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS; “National Volunteers Corps”) by Shyama Prasad Mukherjee. The BJS advocated the rebuilding of India in accordance with Hindu culture and called…

…Syama Prasad Mookerjee founded theBharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS; Indian People’s Association), the political wing of the RSS, in 1951, Advani became secretary of the party’s unit in Rajasthan. He held that position until 1970, when he moved to the Delhi unit.

In 1951 Vajpayee joined theBharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS; “Indian People’s Association”), a forerunner of the BJP. He was elected to the Lok Sabha (lower house of Parliament) in 1957, 1967, and 1971 and to the Rajya Sabha (upper house of Parliament) in 1962. On June 25, 1975, on Prime…