The Saffron Tide By: Kingshuk Nag

The Saffron Tide: A Comprehensive Biography of the Bharatiya Janata Party

The Saffron Tide, authored by seasoned journalist Kingshuk Nag, is an unbiased and timely biography of India's ruling party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This comprehensive volume explores the history, philosophy, and future trajectory of a political force that has reshaped India's democratic landscape.

About the Book

The BJP's meteoric rise to power in 2014 was not an overnight phenomenon. Nag traces the party's origins back to its inception as Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1951 by Syama Prasad Mookerjee, initially aiming to protect the interests of Bengali Hindus in erstwhile East Pakistan.

From being a bit player in Indian politics, the BJP's fortunes changed when it joined forces with other parties to form the Janata Party and challenge Indira Gandhi in 1977. However, it was only in 1980 that the BJP emerged in its current avatar after the coalition dissolved.

Despite facing struggles and setbacks, such as being voted out in 2004 and spending a decade in opposition, the BJP has consistently presented itself as a democratic alternative to the Congress. Yet, it has grappled with an image perceived as overtly pro-Hindutva.

The book chronicles these ups and downs, culminating in the party's historic 2014 victory, making it only the second party after the Congress in 1984 to secure a full majority in the Lok Sabha. Nag also provides insights into the BJP's pan-Indian presence and its appeal among the Hindu diaspora worldwide.

Key Selling Points

1. Timely and Comprehensive**: The first comprehensive biography of the BJP since 'The Brotherhood in Saffron' by Walter Anderson and Shridhar Damle, published in 1988. Nag's book is a timely piece of political literature, especially with the recent general elections.
2. Eminent Author**: Written by Kingshuk Nag, an experienced political journalist and author of books like 'The Double Life of Ramalinga Raju' and 'Battleground Telangana'.
3. Unbiased Narrative**: Nag presents a balanced and informative account of the BJP's history without any political leanings or bias.