From 2 to 303 seats: BJP's performance in Lok Sabha elections
In 1984, the BJP contested in its first general election. However, it suffered a defeat, winning only two seats out of 543, thanks to the sympathy wave that followed Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's assassination.
The BJP made a significant improvement in the 1989 elections, capturing 85 seats and playing an important part in the formation of the National Front government led by VP Singh.
In the 1991 elections, the BJP maintained its momentum, capturing 120 seats.
With 161 seats in the 1996 elections, the BJP emerged as the single largest party. However, it fell short of a majority, resulting in a 13-day government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
After gaining 182 seats in the 1998 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP created the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) coalition government. Atal Bihari Vajpayee was appointed prime minister. However, the government collapsed after 13 months.
In 1999, the BJP won the 13th Lok Sabha election yet again. Atal Bihari Vajpayee became the prime minister, and the government lasted for its full term.
In an unexpected turn of events, the BJP was defeated, winning only 138 seats in 2004. The government was created by the Indian National Congress, led by Sonia Gandhi.
The BJP captured 116 seats in 2009, but not enough to form the government. The Congress-led UPA retained power.
In 2014, the BJP won a historic triumph by gaining 282 seats, giving it an outright majority for the first time. Narendra Modi was elected prime minister.
The BJP maintained its dominance in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, capturing 303 seats. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was re-elected for a second term.