BJP to name State president by Jan-end

The new president will be responsible for strengthening the saffron party in the State, coordinating with NDA allies, and liaising with the BJP national leadership.
Image used for representational purpose only.
Image used for representational purpose only. (Photo |PTI)
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VIJAYAWADA: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has initiated the process of appointing a new president for its State wing, coinciding with the auspicious days of Uttarayan, which is considered an ideal time for new beginnings. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has been entrusted with the task of submitting names for the position, after which the BJP high command will make a decision and announce the new president in the fourth week of January.

Over 20 leaders are competing for the coveted post, with several already having met with senior BJP and RSS leaders. A meeting is scheduled for January 19 in Vijayawada to finalise the contenders. Key candidates include Adoni MLA Dr PV Parthasarathi, Vijayawada West MLA Sujana Chowdary, MLC PVN Madhav, and senior leader Purighalla Raghuram. However, Sujana Chowdary has emerged as the front-runner, with many leaders viewing him as a suitable choice to lead the party in the State if they themselves are not selected.

The new president will be responsible for strengthening the saffron party in the State, coordinating with NDA allies, and liaising with the BJP national leadership. Decision on the new president is likely to be influenced by a combination of factors, including caste considerations, financial backing, and connections with NDA allies.

Many leaders argue that, given there are no general elections for the next two years, the post should now be entrusted to a seasoned leader who can enhance the party’s strength. Some also propose that the ideal candidate should have at least six years of service to the party. Interestingly, this six-year service criterion is already being applied to the selection of presidents at the mandal and district levels. 

Will BJP consider a Reddy leader for State chief post?

A senior leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, stressed that while MLA and MP tickets are often awarded based on political expediency, the post of president should be reserved for loyalists who have demonstrated a genuine commitment to the party.

“This time, those who have worked behind the scenes deserve a chance to lead. After two years, during the general elections term, the party can reassess its leadership needs and make decisions based on political considerations.”

Some leaders from Rayalaseema have urged the BJP leadership to consider appointing a Reddy leader, citing the community’s dissatisfaction with former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. They believe this is an opportune moment for the BJP to consolidate support from the Reddy community by giving one of them the chance to lead. Sannapureddy Suresh Reddy, a veteran leader from Nellore, is vying for post.  

Recently appointed as APSRTC Zonal Chairman, Reddy has an impressive track record, with over four decades of association with the RSS, and more than three decades of service to the BJP. Sources also revealed that former Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy has shown no interest in becoming the BJP State president.

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