Key Points:
- BJP delays election of new national president due to internal differences and incomplete state-level elections.
- RSS and BJP reportedly disagree on the choice of the next party chief.
- JP Nadda receives 40-day extension as BJP president, new deadline set for late April 2025.
- RSS emphasizes its advisory role; BJP yet to finalize consensus candidate.
New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), recognized as the world’s largest political party, is facing an unprecedented delay in electing its new national president. Initially expected by mid-February, the selection process has now been pushed to late April due to internal disagreements and organizational delays.
At the heart of this delay is an apparent tussle between the BJP and its ideological mentor, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). According to sources close to both organizations, the RSS has suggested a candidate who aligns closely with its ideological principles and organizational discipline. However, BJP leadership reportedly prefers a candidate similar to incumbent president JP Nadda, who enjoys wider acceptance within party ranks but does not fully meet the RSS’s criteria.
RSS insiders indicate that their preference is for a candidate deeply committed to Sangh’s core values and organizational discipline. “The BJP wants someone like JP Nadda, but we prefer someone whose loyalty towards RSS principles and working style is unquestionable,” an RSS source revealed.
Amidst this uncertainty, current BJP chief JP Nadda has received another extension of 40 days, ensuring he remains at the helm until at least April 20. Nadda was first appointed acting president in June 2019 and formally elected in January 2020. His tenure has already seen multiple extensions due to delays caused by various state elections and internal factionalism.
Another significant factor contributing to this delay is the incomplete organizational elections at state units. According to BJP’s constitution, at least half of its 36 state units must elect their presidents before a national president can be chosen. Currently, only 12 states have completed this process; elections in at least six more states are necessary before moving forward.
Party insiders attribute these delays partly to internal factionalism and leadership disputes in key states such as Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka. Regional infighting over district-level leadership positions has further complicated matters, slowing down organizational activities significantly.
RSS officials maintain they do not directly interfere with BJP’s internal decisions but merely offer advice when consulted. A senior RSS pracharak remarked, “We don’t impose our decisions on BJP. Our role is advisory it’s up to them how they utilize our suggestions.”
District-level factionalism and competing political priorities, including recent assembly elections and major events like Kumbh Mela, have further disrupted timelines. Senior BJP leaders acknowledge these issues privately, admitting that achieving consensus on a suitable candidate acceptable to both sides remains challenging.
The prolonged delay in electing a new president is unprecedented for a party known historically for smooth leadership transitions through consensus-building between RSS and BJP top brass. While speculation about potential candidates continues behind closed doors, senior leaders remain tight-lipped publicly knowing well that openly discussed names often get sidelined.
Meanwhile, RSS maintains it will continue guiding BJP as a “guardian.” An RSS official stated metaphorically: “Children may stray from time to time; it’s our duty as guardians to steer them back onto the right path.”
With JP Nadda continuing as interim president until at least April 20, all eyes remain fixed on how swiftly BJP resolves internal differences and completes its state-level elections steps essential before finally choosing its next national leader.
