Key Points:
- BJP faces delays in electing a new national president due to incomplete organizational elections in major states
- JP Nadda’s successor likely to be announced by BJP Foundation Day on April 6, 2025
- Key contenders include Dharmendra Pradhan, Bhupender Yadav, Manohar Lal Khattar, and BL Santosh
- RSS emphasizes appointing a president closely aligned with its ideology
- Organizational hurdles in Uttar Pradesh and other states slowing election process
New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is facing delays in announcing its new national president as organizational elections remain incomplete in several key states. With JP Nadda’s extended term nearing its end, speculation is rife that his successor may be revealed by April 6, 2025, coinciding with BJP’s Foundation Day celebrations.
Why the Delay?
According to BJP’s constitution, the election of the national president can only proceed once organizational elections are completed in at least half of India’s states. These elections involve appointing booth-level, mandal-level, and district presidents before state presidents are finalized. So far, only 13 state presidents have been elected out of the required 18. Major states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh are yet to complete their processes.
Uttar Pradesh holds particular importance due to its large quota of 75 members in the electoral college for the national president’s election. The delay in releasing the list of district presidents in UP has further slowed progress. Leaders within BJP hope that organizational work will gain momentum soon to meet the April deadline.
RSS’s Role and Strategic Considerations
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), BJP’s ideological parent organization, is closely monitoring the selection process to ensure alignment with its principles. This stems from past controversies when JP Nadda reportedly stated during Lok Sabha elections that RSS was not needed—a statement that sparked internal debates. The RSS now insists on appointing a president who maintains strong ties with its ideology.
Key Contenders for BJP President
Several prominent leaders have emerged as frontrunners for the coveted position:
- Dharmendra Pradhan: A Union Minister from Odisha with a proven track record as a strategist in key state elections like Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. His silent yet impactful leadership style makes him a strong candidate.
- Bhupender Yadav: Another Union Minister and organizational expert who played a pivotal role in BJP’s victories in Maharashtra and UP. Yadav’s ability to unite diverse factions adds weight to his candidacy.
- Manohar Lal Khattar: Former Haryana Chief Minister and a long-time RSS affiliate whose name has recently entered discussions for the post.
- BL Santosh: BJP’s National General Secretary (Organization) and an influential figure within RSS circles. His candidacy is seen as an attempt to strengthen ties between BJP and RSS further.
The inclusion of Khattar and Santosh has complicated equations for other contenders, making the race more dynamic.
April 6 Announcement Likely
Party insiders suggest that the announcement of the new national president could coincide with BJP’s Foundation Day on April 6, marking its 45th anniversary. This would symbolize a fresh beginning for the party as it gears up for crucial state elections later this year and prepares for the 2029 Lok Sabha polls.
Political Implications
The selection of a new national president comes at a critical juncture for BJP as it faces challenges from opposition alliances like INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance). The Congress-led opposition has been actively promoting backward-class politics through campaigns like “Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan,” targeting marginalized communities an area where BJP may counter by appointing a Dalit leader as president.
As BJP navigates internal factionalism and strategic considerations, all eyes are on whether it can finalize its organizational elections in time for an April announcement or if further delays will push the process closer to upcoming state polls. The choice of president will not only shape BJP’s leadership but also influence its electoral strategy across India.
