Key Points:
- BJP postpones national president election yet again, with JP Nadda continuing in extended role since 2024
- Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis emerges as top contender with RSS backing and youth appeal
- Other frontrunners include Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Dharmendra Pradhan, and Purushottam Rupala
- Decision delayed until after Bihar assembly elections to manage caste and regional equations
- RSS influence remains crucial despite Mohan Bhagwat’s denial of direct interference
New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party’s prolonged search for a new national president continues to generate intense speculation, with the party now likely to announce its choice only after the Bihar assembly elections, marking yet another delay in a process that has stretched over two years.
Fadnavis Leading the Race with Strong Credentials
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has emerged as the strongest contender for the coveted position, according to multiple media reports. The 54-year-old leader brings several advantages to the table:
- RSS backing and organizational experience
- Relatively young age suitable for the demanding role
- Brahmin background providing caste balance
- Strong connect with party cadre across regions
- Proven administrative record as two-time Maharashtra CM
Sources suggest Fadnavis may be asked to resign from his current chief ministerial position after the Bihar elections to take up the national role, marking a significant political transition for Maharashtra.
Other Key Contenders in the Fray
The BJP leadership has reportedly shortlisted four main candidates for the position, each bringing distinct strengths:
Shivraj Singh Chouhan
- Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister with extensive governance experience
- OBC background providing crucial social representation
- Long-standing RSS associate with decades of organizational work
- At 71 years, concerns about age and travel demands of the role
Dharmendra Pradhan
- Current Union Education Minister with cabinet experience
- Younger profile at 54 suitable for intensive travel schedule
- Strong ABVP and youth BJP connections
- Odisha background offering eastern regional representation
Purushottam Rupala
- Rajkot MP from Gujarat and former Union Minister
- Close Modi associate from the Prime Minister’s home state
- Gujarati Patel community representation
- Extensive parliamentary experience
Strategic Delays and Political Calculations
The repeated postponements reflect the party’s careful consideration of multiple factors:
Caste Mathematics: Balancing representation across Brahmin, OBC, and other communities
Regional Equations: Ensuring geographical diversity and state-level acceptance
RSS Consensus: Managing ideological alignment despite public denials of interference
Post-Modi Planning: Preparing for eventual leadership transition in coming years
Organizational Election Process Nearing Completion
Dr. K. Laxman, the national election in-charge, confirmed that organizational elections in major states including Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat are being completed. The process involves:
- Over 10 lakh organizational booths across the country
- 7.5 lakh booth in-charges already appointed
- State-level elections completed in most regions
- Central council meeting planned for final consensus building
RSS Role Despite Public Denials
While RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has publicly denied direct interference, sources indicate the Sangh’s opinion remains crucial in the final decision. The organization reportedly seeks:
- A candidate with strong organizational experience
- Neutral stance within party factions
- Ability to manage post-Modi transition
- Ideological alignment with RSS principles
Extended Tenure Raises Questions
JP Nadda’s presidency, which officially ended in January 2024, has been extended multiple times due to various factors:
- Original term: January 2020 – January 2023
- First extension: Until January 2024
- Current status: Continuing in acting capacity
- Total duration: Over 5 years (if continues until Bihar polls)
This prolonged tenure has created “unfavorable impressions even among party cadres” about the world’s largest political party’s inability to conduct timely leadership transitions.
Critical Timeline Ahead
The immediate priorities affecting the presidential election include:
September 9: Vice-Presidential election with CP Radhakrishnan as NDA candidate
Post-September: Possible cabinet reshuffle
October-November: Bihar assembly elections
December 2025: Likely BJP president announcement
Political Implications and Future Challenges
The new president will face significant responsibilities:
- Leading the party through 2029 Lok Sabha elections
- Managing complex state election cycles
- Handling census and delimitation exercises
- Coordinating with 20+ BJP-ruled states
- Preparing for eventual post-Modi era
The choice will signal the BJP’s strategic direction and its approach to caste politics, regional representation, and organizational structure in the coming decades. With speculation continuing to intensify, the party’s decision after Bihar polls will be closely watched as a key indicator of its future political trajectory.
