‘Nation first, party second’: Yogi hails BJP’s political ideology

Gorakhpur: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said that BJP is the only political organisation globally that has consistently upheld the principle of “nation first, party second, and individual last”.

“Whenever the discourse turns to values and ideals in politics, or whenever the subject of nationalism arises -- whether within India or anywhere else in the world -- the one face that invariably comes to mind is that of the national leadership of BJP... If a symbol were to emerge before their eyes, it would be the lotus,” he said, addressing the inaugural session of BJP’s district training camp in Gorakhpur’s Sahjanwa assembly segment.

He said: “BJP workers command respect in society because their conduct reflects nationalism and ‘Bhartiyata’, unlike parties mired in corruption and appeasement politics. They function with transparency and integrity while upholding the ideals of the party’s founders and working for the unity and integrity of the country.”

He said the BJP was the only political party linking national security, culture, good governance and prosperity, adding that both the Centre and BJP-ruled states had adopted these principles as the basis of governance.

Speaking on the history and development of the BJP, Yogi said: “In less than 50 years, BJP has emerged as the preeminent political force within the country; it has successfully advanced its campaign to effectively implement its ideology--relying on its own strength and capability--forming governments in 22 states and simultaneously assuming power at the Centre.”

The chief minister said democracy could be strengthened only by rising above dynastic politics, regionalism and divisions based on caste and religion. He asserted that the BJP was the only party where a booth-level worker could eventually rise to become the party’s state or national president, and even chief minister or prime minister. “In BJP, it is not family but the party and its workers that matter,” he said.

Yogi also stressed the importance of booth-level organisation, calling it the BJP’s “real strength” and the focal point of every election.

Urging workers to build a strong grassroots structure, he referred to PM Narendra Modi’s repeated assertion that “if the booth is won, the election is won”.

He asked party cadres to actively participate in strengthening booth networks to ensure the BJP’s victory in the “real Kurukshetra” of elections.

Yogi also paid tribute to Deendayal Upadhyaya, saying he advocated welfare for people standing at the last rung of society and envisioned prosperity through the upliftment of the poorest.

Referring to the Ram temple in Ayodhya, the CM said its construction marked the beginning of a “new era” and symbolised the resurgence of India’s cultural identity. He credited PM Modi for realising the vision of the party’s founders over the last 11 years.

Earlier, the CM inaugurated a development exhibition showcasing welfare schemes, infrastructure projects and Gorakhpur’s development initiatives.