8 crore members in 30 days! Why BJP is euphoric about latest milestone

The ruling BJP has crossed the membership figure of 8 crore as part of its ongoing membership drive that commenced from September 2.

Vinod Tawde, BJP general secretary incharge of the membership drive plan, said on Wednesday that the 8-crore membership had been reached in 30 days.

"Eight crore membership has been crossed. Under the campaign being run under the leadership of national president JP Nadda, 8 crore people have joined BJP in just 30 days. This data is proof that the country is committed to fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi's resolve to develop India. Anyone can become a member of the BJP," Tawde said.

He said one had to simply give a missed call on 8800002024 to become a member or visit the #NamoApp "to contribute to nation-building".

The BJP renews its membership every few years. The process involves reaching out to people.

"This strategy keeps cadres energised and helps us touch base with people," said Tawde.

The membership is of two types — simple and active. Simple membership is free and open to all.

An active member is the one who has spent three years in the BJP, has enrolled at least 50 simple members and has paid a membership fee of Rs 100.

Active members have the right to take part in organisational elections of the party. Before the BJP embarked on a new membership drive, it had 18 crore members. It is now aiming to cross 20 crore.

PM Modi has instructed the BJP cadres to hold special campaigns in border villages to enrol new members.

When he renewed his membership on September 2, the PM had said "there can't be a bigger insult to the BJP than the description that it is an election machine. We are the nurturers of dreams and aspirations of Indians. Election victories are mere by-products of our principal mission of nation-building".

The drive will go on till October end.