HYDERABAD: The state BJP was abuzz on Friday over discussions that the party high command is likely to appoint Minister of State for Home Affairs, Bandi Sanjay Kumar, as the new state unit president. This decision is seen as part of a larger strategy to strengthen the party in Telangana and position it for victory in the next Assembly elections.
Once he is appointed as party state chief, Sanjay is likely to be removed from his current MoS position during the upcoming Union Cabinet expansion.
Meanwhile, the saffron party is also planning to appoint two MPs as ministers of state in the Union Cabinet expansion.
Malkajgiri MP Eatala Rajender and Mahbubnagar MP DK Aruna are considered frontrunners for these positions.
Reliable sources from the BJP confirm that Sanjay’s return as state president is almost certain, with an official announcement expected by the end of this month or in the first week of April. If appointed, it would mark his second term in the role.
Bandi in party’s favour for his aggressive politics
Known for his aggressive political approach, Sanjay played a crucial role in challenging the previous BRS government and took strong stances on key issues like the RTC employees’ strike. Party leaders recall his leadership in BJP’s success in the Greater
Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) elections, where the party secured over 40 divisions, its best-ever performance.
Party insiders stated that the high command is keen on appointing a dynamic and aggressive leader who can sustain the momentum within the state unit, encouraging both senior and grassroots-level workers until the next Assembly elections.
If Rajender is inducted into the Union Cabinet, party leaders believe it would be a major boost for the BJP, as a significant section of Backward Classes (BCs) is aligning with the party in Telangana. This move could strengthen the party’s influence ahead of the local body elections and the next Assembly polls.
Additionally, party sources reveal that the high command is considering appointing a Reddy leader, likely DK Aruna, who previously served as a minister during the Congress regime.
BJP strategists believe she can aggressively lead recruitment efforts from the Congress and other parties in South Telangana, where she has strong political connections. Moreover, her appointment would also send a message that the party prioritises women leaders in key positions.
In another strategic move, the BJP is reportedly planning to nominate a prominent SC leader as a Rajya Sabha MP soon. Party leaders expect this decision to boost the saffron party’s SC cadre and counter Congress’s claim of strong SC support.
Several leaders, including MPs Dharmapuri Arvind and former MLC N Ramchander Rao, were in the race for the Telangana BJP president post.