From that support emerged the genesis of the idea of Friends of BJP (of which I am now the National Convenor). Here is what I wrote in late Jan 2009:
As citizens of India, we have a duty to help build a Better India. The 20 of a week ago are now 200. We need to become 2000 in another week, and 20 million by the time the elections are here. We have to become the Voice of India. For 60 years, we have been Led. And for many of those years, Led down a wrong path. The time has now come for us to Lead.
A vote at the ballot box is just a first step – and not the end goal. We need to – and have to – do more. I am not completely sure where this will lead to. It could fizzle out, or it could grow into something very big. I hope I can be a part of making a difference. The next 100 days will show us. This is a journey we need to do together. As a first step, irrespective of which party you decide you support, you can start by being vocal – so we can start a dialogue. India needs millions of such conversations happening every day. Out of that will emerge a New, Better India whose citizens are equal stakeholders in its future.
That was the start of my journey. Even though the outcome in May 2009 was not favourable for the BJP, that did not diminish my enthusiasm – both for the party and the broader goal of transforming India’s future.
Continued next week.
