The Leadership of Bharatiya Janata Party
The Bharatiya Janata Party is one of India's most influential political movements, rooted in public service, cultural nationalism, governance, and national development.
The Party
The Party - BJP
Leadership, history, national presidents, achievements, and public service footprint of the Bharatiya Janata Party.
History
In 1951, Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS), which aimed to promote cultural nationalism and unify India. The BJS later evolved into the BJP in 1980, drawing inspiration from Mookerjee's vision and principles.
BJP National Presidents
Since its formation in 1980, the Bharatiya Janata Party has been guided by national presidents who shaped its organisation, ideology, outreach, and governance vision.
The Bharatiya Janata Party Footprints
The party's footprint spans national campaigns, social outreach, governance initiatives, and public participation across India.
Key facts
BJP at a glance
- Full name
- Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
- Founded
- 6 April 1980, after the Janata Party dissolved
- Roots
- Bharatiya Jana Sangh (1951) and the Janata Party (1977–80)
- Symbol
- Lotus
- Headquarters
- 6-A, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Marg, New Delhi
- Guiding ideas
- Integral Humanism (Deendayal Upadhyaya) and Antyodaya
- First president
- Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1980–1986)
- Prime Ministers
- Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narendra Modi
- Current national president
- Shri Nitin Nabin, since 20 January 2026
Compiled from the party’s public record and news reports. For the latest office-holders see bjp.org.
Leadership
BJP National Presidents Over The Years
- 1Atal Bihari Vajpayee1980–1986
- 2Lal Krishna Advani1986–1991, 1993–1998, 2004–2005
- 3Murli Manohar Joshi1991–1993
- 4Kushabhau Thakre1998–2000
- 5Bangaru Laxman2000–2001
- 6K. Jana Krishnamurthi2001–2002
- 7M. Venkaiah Naidu2002–2004
- 8Rajnath Singh2005–2009, 2013–2014
- 9Nitin Gadkari2009–2013
- 10Amit Shah2014–2020
- 11J. P. Nadda2020–2026
Current National President
Shri Nitin Nabin
National President, Bharatiya Janata Party, since 20 January 2026
Footprint
BJP-led NDA across India
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When was the BJP founded?
The Bharatiya Janata Party was founded on 6 April 1980. Former members of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh formed it after the Janata Party dissolved. The Jana Sangh itself had been founded in 1951 by Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee.
Who was the first BJP national president?
Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the first national president of the BJP, serving from 1980 to 1986. He later became Prime Minister.
Who is the current BJP national president?
Shri Nitin Nabin has been the national president since 20 January 2026. He succeeded J. P. Nadda. For the latest details always check bjp.org.
What is the BJP's election symbol?
The lotus, recognised by the Election Commission of India as the party's symbol.
Which BJP leaders have been Prime Minister?
Two: Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who led NDA governments between 1998 and 2004, and Narendra Modi, Prime Minister since 26 May 2014.
Where is the BJP headquarters?
At 6-A, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Marg, New Delhi.