HYDERABAD: The race for the BJP state president post has picked up pace, with three leaders emerging as contenders. With the BJP high command expected to announce its decision by Sankranti, speculation within the saffron party ranks has intensified regarding the choice.
The frontrunners include Nizamabad MP Dharmapuri Arvind, Malkajgiri MP Eatala Rajender, and Adilabad MLA Payal Shankar. All three leaders have support from various factions within the party, leading to a hint of power struggles.
Arvind is known as a “firebrand leader” for his combative approach. His aggressive criticism of the BJP’s rivals, the BRS and Congress, has earned him this reputation. His strong connections with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and ties with national leaders in Delhi appear to give him a head start.
Rajender, the Malkajgiri MP, is relying on his political experience, strategic acumen, and ties with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Meanwhile, Payal Shankar has considerable support from senior leaders in the state, who view him as loyal, grounded, and well-connected with grassroots party workers.
What works in favor of all three leaders is that they come from the Backward Classes (BC) community. Arvind represents the Munnuru Kapu community, Rajender belongs to the Mudiraj community, and Shankar is from the Perika community. This aligns with the BJP’s emphasis on empowering BC leaders.
It is worth noting that Arvind recently stirred controversy with his cryptic remark during a press interaction. He said he had “changed gears and was well-versed in driving the vehicle,” a statement interpreted as an indication of his aspirations for the presidency.
Party insiders suggest that the high command might be open to considering a rotational leadership strategy, with each of the three leaders getting a chance to lead the state unit in turns. Ahead of the Assembly elections, the party could hand over the reins to Minister of State for Home Affairs, Bandi Sanjay, insiders say.
With the BJP aiming to strengthen its foothold in Telangana and capture power in the next Assembly elections, the leadership decision is a crucial part of its broader strategy.