Grooming Grassroots Leadership in a Key Electoral State
As the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) cements its growing presence in Odisha, party president and Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda inaugurated a strategic three-day training camp in the state capital for BJP MPs and MLAs. Odisha, which recently witnessed a major political shift with the BJP forming the government under Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, has become a crucial battleground for the party’s long-term ambitions in eastern India.
The training camp, held behind closed doors except for the inaugural ceremony, reflects the BJP’s emphasis on discipline, ideology, and people-centric governance. With key leaders including Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan, Jual Oram, and Ashwini Vaishnaw present, the event focused on equipping lawmakers with the tools needed to translate party principles into action at the grassroots level.
The Core Message: Serve with Humility, Stay Connected
In his keynote address, Nadda urged BJP lawmakers to reconnect with the people who elected them. Emphasizing humility and discipline, he outlined 14 key principles meant to guide elected representatives in both conduct and outreach.
Among the directives: visit villages regularly, engage with marginalized communities such as Dalits, women, and the elderly, and build genuine relationships with constituents. “The people must feel that their representatives are one among them,” Nadda emphasized, according to Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi.
The BJP chief also reminded participants that the party’s ideological foundation must be upheld with integrity and consistency. “Ego has no place in public service,” he said, stressing teamwork and shared commitment over personal ambition.
Institutionalizing Discipline: A Cadre-Based Approach
Nadda described the BJP as the world’s largest political party, noting that it currently leads or is part of the ruling alliance in 19 states and union territories. He highlighted the significance of cadre-based organization and the need for continuous reorientation, regardless of rank.
Union Minister Jual Oram reinforced this, pointing out that BJP is the only party in India that conducts systematic training across all leadership levels—from booth workers to the Prime Minister. He underlined that such internal training ensures ideological clarity and effective governance delivery.
Ground Engagement and Governance: A Dual Mandate
Participants were advised to spend time in public institutions like hospitals to better understand citizens’ concerns. In addition to governance and policy awareness, the training aims to instill skills in organizational management, communication, and result-driven execution.
Lawmakers were also instructed to keep people informed about the government’s achievements—both at the Centre and in Odisha. As a symbolic start, Nadda launched the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme in Odisha during his visit, fulfilling a major electoral promise.
JP Nadda’s 14 Rules for BJP Lawmakers
1. Connect Deeply with People
· Regularly visit villages and stay in touch with citizens across all sections—especially Dalits, women, and the elderly.
2. Adopt a Humble Approach
· Serve the people with humility; avoid arrogance or detachment from grassroots concerns.
3. Prioritize Discipline
· Maintain organizational discipline and follow party protocols and values rigorously.
4. Stay Ideologically Rooted
· Understand and promote the BJP’s principles and ideological framework in every engagement.
5. Engage in Public Spaces
· Spend time in public areas like hospitals, schools, and markets to directly experience and address local issues.
6. Enhance Public Communication
· Clearly communicate government achievements to the masses, especially in rural and underserved areas.
7. Actively Participate in Party Programs
· Attend and contribute to party meetings, events, and outreach campaigns at every level.
8. Avoid Factionalism or Groupism
· Work in unison with fellow party members to maintain internal unity and collective focus.
9. Respect Organizational Hierarchy
· Follow guidance from seniors and the party structure without bypassing channels.
10. Promote Transparency and Integrity
· Be honest in public life and accountable in dealings with both people and the party.
11. Focus on Developmental Work
· Align with and promote both Central and State government welfare schemes.
12. Educate Citizens on Policy Benefits
· Help people understand the value and utility of BJP-initiated programs like Ayushman Bharat.
13. Regular Feedback Loop
· Collect ground-level feedback and report challenges or suggestions to the party leadership.
14. Lead by Example
· Be a role model in public conduct, punctuality, work ethic, and commitment to service.
Preparing for the Future with Focus and Unity
This intensive three-day training marks more than just an orientation—it’s a blueprint for consolidating the BJP’s governance model in Odisha and beyond. With the party expanding its footprint across the country, disciplined leadership and grassroots connect will be key to its future success.
By institutionalizing such rigorous training and mandating people-first governance, the BJP is not just grooming better politicians but building a political culture that could redefine leadership expectations in Indian democracy. As Odisha becomes a model for this transformation, the party’s lawmakers are now expected to walk the talk—guided by Nadda’s 14 principles and the BJP’s broader vision of inclusive development.
(With inputs from agencies)
