The Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS) was formed in 1951 by Dr. Prasad Mukherjee which later merged itself into the Janata Party in 1977 during the Emergency. After internal differences, the BJP was formed as a separate party in 1980.
Bharatiya Janata Party Website
Although initially unsuccessful, winning only two seats in the 1984 General Election, the BJP grew in strength on the back of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. Following victories in several state elections and better performances in national elections, the BJP became the largest party in the parliament in 1996; however, it lacked a majority in the lower house of Parliament, and its government lasted only 13 days.