Maoist Delegation’s Visit to India: Gaining Insights into BJP

Kathmandu: Between July 23rd and 28th, 2023, a six-day visit to India was organized by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for a delegation from the CPN (Maoist Centre). The delegation was led by Vice Chairperson Comrade Pampha Bhusal and included members such as Secretary Comrade Chakrapani Khanal, Standing Committee Member Satya Pahadi, and Party Central Committee Members Rameshwor Ray Yadav and Suresh Kumar Rai.

Named the ‘Know BJP’ program, this initiative by the BJP seeks to inform and showcase the party’s achievements and activities to delegations from political parties worldwide. As the largest political party globally, boasting over 180 million members, the BJP’s organization, management, and methods were of great interest to us. Strengthening the relationship between significant political parties from neighboring countries was the primary aim of this visit.

Recalling the official India visit of our Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ during his tenure as Nepal’s Prime Minister, it’s evident that such exchanges play a pivotal role in fortifying bilateral relationships. The interest displayed by the Indian counterparts in nurturing relations at the party level resonated with our goals. We firmly believed that fostering strong ties between our respective parties would contribute to deeper people-to-people connections.

Guided by this conviction, our delegation embarked on the India visit, drawing inspiration and advice from Prime Minister Prachanda. On the evening of July 23rd, we arrived at Indira Gandi International  Airport, New Delhi, where Dr. Vijay Chauthaiwale, BJP’s Foreign Affairs Chief, and other officials extended a warm welcome. The visit’s packed itinerary commenced the following morning.

Itinerary Highlights:

– July 24th began with a visit to the BJP central office at 9 AM. The office featured images of Prime Minister Comrade Prachanda, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and BJP President J.P. Nadda, emphasizing the visit’s significance.

– Noteworthy interactions with BJP Vice-President Baijayant Jaya Panda ensued. Detailed discussions were held on topics ranging from BJP’s youth, women, and promotional mechanisms to its ideas, policies, theories, and programs.

– A lunch organized by the Foreign Ministry provided an opportunity for further engagement.

– A meeting with President Nadda at the Party Office was followed by a visit to Bar Memorial on the subsequent day.

Day Three saw us visiting Bar Memorial in the morning and Prime Minister Museum in the afternoon. Numerous unofficial meetings and discussions enriched our experience. A visit to the capital of Uttarakhand, Dehradun, was also part of our schedule. Welcomed by the state BJP president and his team at the airport, we proceeded to Rishikesh. Here, the BJP Uttarakhand State Committee hosted an elaborate congratulations program.

The fifth day involved a meeting with Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami and a visit to the BJP Province committee office. Insights into party operating procedures were shared by the Province President and leaders of the Youth and Women Department. A special cultural event organized by the Gorkhali Community added to the day’s activities. Returning to Delhi at 9 PM, we wrapped up a busy day.

Gaining Insights into BJP:

The BJP leadership and members take pride in being part of the world’s largest political party. Their dedication to ‘Service’ serves as the foundation of the party’s organization. Their disciplined and institutionalized operating procedures stand out, with a sense of commitment to the party, country, and people central to joining the party.

BJP holds that farmers, women, youth, marginalized ethnic communities, indigenous groups, and minorities play pivotal roles in their party. With 18 departments in total, including areas like discipline, policy research, communication relations, training, political support, and response, among others, the party operates systematically.

While BJP’s core strength lies in its cadre-based structure, its extensive population base commands significant public support.

Takeaways from the Visit:

Technologically adept, the BJP places a strong emphasis on policy and promotional activities. Their effective communication between the party and the government stands out. Aligning party policies with governmental initiatives reinforces the synergy between them. Thorough research guides policy formation, underlining BJP’s commitment to informed decision-making.

Notably, India’s commendable progress in poverty reduction and economic development is attributed to the BJP’s leadership. The visit’s underlying intent of fostering relations at the party level aligns with the party’s soft power approach in international diplomacy.

Our visit proved insightful, enabling a deeper understanding of the BJP. We gained valuable insights into India’s development trajectory, progress, and economic accomplishments. Furthermore, the visit reinforced ties between our two nations and political parties, making it a successful endeavor.

I extend my gratitude to Chairperson Comrade Prachanda, BJP President Nadda, and everyone involved for facilitating this enlightening visit.

(Satya Pahadi is a member of Standing Committee of the Maoist Centre)