New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), India’s largest political entity, is currently in the throes of selecting its new president. The tenure of the incumbent BJP President, J.P. Nadda, concluded in 2022 but was extended until June 30, 2024, due to the Lok Sabha elections. Over a month has passed since this deadline, and the party has yet to finalize a new leader. However, political circles are abuzz with potential candidates, with Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, prominently leading the speculations.
Fadnavis Leads the Race for BJP Presidency
Devendra Fadnavis, the former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, is currently the frontrunner in the race for BJP’s top post. Political analysts suggest that Fadnavis’s ascension to the presidency could resolve the ongoing tensions between the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a necessity in the current political climate.
Why Fadnavis? Proximity to RSS and Strategic Advantage
Fadnavis hails from Nagpur, which is also the headquarters of the RSS. Known for his close ties with the Sangh, Fadnavis enjoys strong relations with top RSS leaders. While the RSS influences national politics broadly, its sway is particularly significant in Maharashtra. Therefore, mending the rift between the BJP and the RSS is crucial, especially with the Maharashtra Assembly elections looming.
Double Benefit for BJP
During the Lok Sabha elections, BJP President J.P. Nadda had asserted the party’s self-sufficiency, implying it no longer required the Sangh’s support. This statement caused discontent among RSS volunteers, affecting grassroots mobilization and arguably influencing the election outcomes. With Maharashtra’s elections on the horizon, appointing Fadnavis as the BJP President could yield dual benefits. His local leadership could resonate positively with Maharashtrian voters, and his close association with the RSS might help repair and strengthen the BJP-RSS relationship, providing a strategic advantage in the assembly elections.
Devendra Fadnavis’s potential presidency is seen as a pivotal move that could address internal party tensions and enhance electoral prospects in Maharashtra. The coming weeks will reveal whether the BJP will leverage this strategic opportunity.
