Key Points
- BJP’s top leadership met at PM Modi’s residence to finalize the timeline for electing the new national president and state unit chiefs.
- The election process for the next BJP national president is expected to begin after April 20, with an official announcement likely within a week.
- Organisational reshuffle includes new state presidents for Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal.
- Current president JP Nadda’s term, extended for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, is ending; the party seeks a leader to bolster future strategies.
- Potential contenders for the top post include Manohar Lal Khattar, Dharmendra Pradhan, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Bhupender Yadav, and Nirmala Sitharaman.
- Akhilesh Yadav mocked the delay in Parliament; Amit Shah responded by highlighting BJP’s democratic process.
New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is on the verge of a significant organisational overhaul, with the process to elect its new national president set to begin after April 20. This follows a high-level meeting at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence late Wednesday, attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP National General Secretary (Organisation) BL Santhosh, and outgoing party chief JP Nadda.
Why the Delay? Inside the BJP’s Careful Selection Process
JP Nadda, who has served as BJP president since January 2020, had his term extended to oversee the crucial 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The party’s constitution mandates that at least half of its state units must complete their organisational elections before the national president can be chosen. With most state-level appointments now finalized, the party is poised to announce new presidents for key states like Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal in the coming days.
The delay in electing the national president has been attributed to the party’s insistence on a thorough, consensus-driven process. BJP insiders say the leadership is keen to select a candidate who can strengthen the organisation and steer it through upcoming electoral challenges, including crucial state and national polls.
Who’s in the Race? Top Contenders Emerge
Several prominent leaders are being discussed as potential successors to JP Nadda:
- Manohar Lal Khattar: Former Haryana Chief Minister, seen as an experienced administrator.
- Dharmendra Pradhan: Union Minister, considered for his organisational skills and pan-India appeal.
- Shivraj Singh Chouhan: Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, a veteran with mass connect.
- Bhupender Yadav: Close aide to Modi and Shah, known for his strategic acumen.
- Nirmala Sitharaman: Union Finance Minister, whose name is being discussed as a possible woman candidate.
The final choice will need to balance regional, caste, and organisational considerations, and must also be acceptable to the party’s ideological mentor, the RSS.
State-Level Revamp: New Faces in Key States
Alongside the national leadership change, BJP is set to announce new state presidents for large and electorally significant states. The reshuffle aims to inject young energy into the party, with several current general secretaries and state chiefs likely to be replaced by younger faces.
Political Banter: Akhilesh Yadav’s Jibe and Amit Shah’s Retort
The delay in the BJP president’s election became a talking point in Parliament, where Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav mocked the BJP for not being able to elect its own national president. Union Home Minister Amit Shah responded with a jibe at dynastic parties, saying, “We have to choose from 12-13 crore members after a process. So it takes time. In your case, it will not take much time… you will remain president for 25 years”.
What’s Next?
- Election Timeline: The official schedule for the BJP national president election is expected to be announced within a week, with the process likely kicking off after April 20.
- State Announcements: New state presidents for major states will be revealed in the next few days, shaping the party’s strategy for upcoming assembly elections.
- Organisational Impact: The reshuffle is poised to significantly influence the BJP’s approach to both state and national elections in the coming months.
