The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) may finally have its new national president within the next few weeks. Party sources have confirmed that new state party chiefs in some major states will be appointed within the coming week, paving the way for the election of the national president.
The term of the current party chief, JP Nadda, has already ended, and he is currently serving on an extension. His successor is expected to be chosen through consensus. Sources indicated that discussions have already taken place with the BJP’s ideological mentor, the RSS, setting the stage for the selection of the new party head.
The BJP is expected to groom a new generation of leaders, well-versed in organisational matters, who can carry the party forward in the years ahead. The incoming national president will bear the responsibility not only of overseeing upcoming state elections in Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh during the term but may also play a crucial role in steering the party into the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
The new party chief will also have to navigate the evolving political scenario in light of the impending delimitation exercise and the implementation of women's reservation following the census.
Party sources have indicated that the process leading up to the president’s election will be completed soon. A necessary precondition for electing the national president is that elections must have been conducted in at least 50 per cent of the party's state units.
Currently, 14 state presidents have been freshly appointed, with some reappointed for another term. Once 18 to 19 state presidents are in place, the process of electing the national president will begin. Some of the big states like Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh are yet to pick up a new state party chief.
Although the party constitution permits a formal election, precedent suggests that the new chief will likely be selected through consensus.
The election of the national president may also be followed by a reshuffle in the Union Cabinet to reward some of those who have served well in the organisation.