Understanding the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS) Founding

The question asks about the founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS), a significant political party in India's history, and the year of its establishment, 1951. Understanding the origins of major political formations helps us grasp the evolution of the Indian political landscape.

Identifying the Founder of Bharatiya Jana Sangh 1951

The Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS) was founded in 1951. Its establishment marked a key moment in the post-independence political scene. The founder of this party was a prominent figure who had previously served in the Indian government but resigned due to differences in opinion. This individual played a crucial role in shaping the ideology and initial direction of the party.

Let's look at the options provided:

1. Ashutosh Mukherjee
2. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee
3. Vinayak Savarkar
4. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya

Based on historical records, the Bharatiya Jana Sangh was indeed founded in 1951 by one of these individuals.

Detailed Analysis of the Founder

The correct answer points to Shyama Prasad Mukherjee as the founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1951. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee was an academic, barrister, and politician. He served as the Minister for Industry and Supply in the first cabinet of independent India under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. However, he resigned from the cabinet in 1950 due to disagreements over the Nehru-Liaquat Pact.

Following his resignation, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee felt the need for a new political party that represented a different perspective on national issues, particularly regarding the integrity of India and the treatment of minorities. This led to the founding of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh on 21 October 1951.

Roles of Other Options

• Ashutosh Mukherjee: Ashutosh Mukherjee (father of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee) was a renowned educationist and jurist, associated with the University of Calcutta. He passed away long before the founding of the BJS in 1951.
• Vinayak Savarkar: Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was a prominent figure in the Hindu Mahasabha and a key proponent of Hindutva. While he was ideologically aligned with some of the future principles of the BJS, he was not the founder of the party in 1951.
• Deen Dayal Upadhyaya: Deen Dayal Upadhyaya was a key figure in the Bharatiya Jana Sangh from its inception and later rose to become its President. He contributed significantly to the party's philosophy with his concept of 'Integral Humanism'. However, he was one of the early leaders and ideologues, not the founder in 1951.

Therefore, the historical evidence confirms that Shyama Prasad Mukherjee was the founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1951.

Summary of BJS Founding

Conclusion on Bharatiya Jana Sangh Founder

Based on the historical facts and the analysis of the options, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee was the individual who founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS) in 1951. His vision and efforts led to the creation of this significant political entity in India.

Revision Table: Bharatiya Jana Sangh Key Facts

Additional Information: Evolution from BJS to BJP

The Bharatiya Jana Sangh played a crucial role in India's opposition politics for several decades. After the Emergency period (1975-1977), the BJS merged with several other parties to form the Janata Party, which came to power in 1977. However, the Janata Party alliance was short-lived.

In 1980, former members of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh regrouped and formed a new political party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The BJP inherited much of the ideology and organizational structure of the BJS and has since grown to become one of India's dominant political forces. Key leaders from the BJS, such as Atal Bihari Vajpayee and L.K. Advani, played pivotal roles in the formation and growth of the BJP.