NEW DELHI: With organisational elections now completed in over a dozen states, there is a strong possibility that the BJP will announce the name of a consensus candidate as its next national president shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi returns from his foreign tour on July 9 or 10.
The process of organisational elections is over in most states. New state presidents were recently elected in Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and other states. In key states such as Bihar, Sikkim, Goa, and Assam, new chiefs are already in place. The process will shortly conclude in the remaining states, including Uttar Pradesh.
Amid this process, the BJP has reportedly shortlisted five candidates, and the final selection is expected to take place between July 10 and 19, before the Monsoon session of parliament on July 21.
Among the shortlisted candidates are Union ministers Bhupendra Yadav, Dharmendra Pradhan, Prahlad Joshi, Nirmala Sitharaman, Vanathi Srinivasan, and BD Sharma. Bhupendra Yadav, considered one of the party’s finest electoral managers for regional elections, is said to be the frontrunner. Yadav, who belongs to the OBC category, has played a key role in formulating electoral strategies for several state elections, including those in Maharashtra (2024), Uttar Pradesh (2017), and Bihar (2020).
“If Yadav emerges as the consensus candidate, it will send a strong message ahead of the Bihar assembly election, where the Yadav community plays a crucial role in determining the outcome in over 70-90 constituencies,” commented a BJP leader from Bihar.
Pradhan is viewed as the second strongest contender, owing to his strong connections with both the RSS and the party’s organisational machinery.
Prahlad Joshi, hailing from South India, where the BJP is focusing its “Mission South” plan, is also seen as a possible consensus candidate. He is known for his electoral strategies and managing party affairs, particularly in South India.
The name of a woman leader, who also serves as the national president of the BJP Mahila Morcha, is also circulating as a potential candidate. Other prominent names include Arun Singh and Tarun Chugh (both national general secretaries), and Dr Sudha Yadav, who is reportedly trusted by both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the RSS.
Final selection likely before Monsoon session
Amid this process, the BJP has reportedly shortlisted five candidates, and the final selection is expected to take place between July 10 and 19, before the Monsoon session of parliament on July 21. New state presidents were recently elected in Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and other states.