The Bharatiya Jana Sangh was formed in 1951 with Shyama Prasad Mukherjee as its founder-President. The Bharatiya Jana Sangh was different from other parties in terms of ideology and programmes. The BJS was ideologically close to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, and derived most of its political activist base and candidates from the RSS ranks. It emphasised the idea of one country, one culture and one nation. The Jana Sangh believed that the country could become modern, progressive and strong on the basis of Indian culture and traditions. It was opposed to the granting of concession to religious and cultural minorities. The party called for a reunion of India and Pakistan in Akhand Bharat. The party was in forefront of the agitation to replace English with Hindi as the official language of India.