BJP Awaits New National President as State Elections Near Completion; Four Key Contenders in the Fray
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is poised to elect its new national president soon, with the party having completed the requisite elections in over half of its state units. According to the party's constitution, at least 19 out of 37 state units must have elected presidents before the national presidential poll can be held.
Party sources claim that when selecting the national president, the BJP is primarily considering three factors: organisational experience, regional balance and the caste equation. The national president may soon be chosen by a central election committee. This committee will finish the nomination, review, and voting process if elections are required. Here are the names of potential candidates:
1. Shivraj Singh Chouhan: A seasoned politician with six Lok Sabha wins and four terms as Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister. He's known for his organizational experience and mass leadership, making him a compelling choice. Chouhan's soft-spoken style and image of being "close to the common man" could help the party project a more accessible face at the top. His RSS background and OBC community roots are additional advantages.
2. Manohar Lal Khattar: Former Haryana CM and current Union Minister with a strong RSS background. He's respected for his clean image, administrative experience, and no-nonsense approach. Khattar's elevation would underline the BJP's preference for ideological loyalty and quiet efficiency. However, his removal as Haryana CM ahead of assembly elections might be a concern.
3. Dharmendra Pradhan: Current Education Minister with experience in Steel, Petroleum, and Skill Development. He's a silent warrior with no opposition in the organization and has played a key role in the BJP's outreach in Eastern India. Pradhan's proximity to the Modi-Shah leadership and his ability to understand election narratives make him a strong contender. His organizational skills and experience in handling crucial elections could be significant assets for the party.
4. Sunil Bansal: Played a crucial role in forming the BJP government in UP and is close to Amit Shah. He has an RSS background and holds significant organizational power.
The new national president will face crucial elections in 2025 and 2026, including the Bihar Assembly polls and state elections in West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Assam. The party's choice will likely reflect strategic considerations and balance regional, caste and electoral equations.