With JP Nadda Sworn In, Who's Next in Line For BJP President? 6 Frontrunners

New Delhi: With JP Nda's induction to council of ministers, focus now turns to burning question of who will become next BJP chief, a subject sure to keep political enthusiasts on edge. Nda joins five former BJP presidents who have also taken oaths as ministers. Besides, leers who were seen as his potential successors, such as CR Paatil, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Bhupender Yav, have been inducted into Union cabinet. Nda, born in Patna, succeeded Amit Shah as BJP President on January 20, 2020. BJP h announced that Nda would remain party chief until June 2024. Although his term technically ended in January 2023, it was extended to align with Lok Sabha elections.

Probable Candidates For Next BJP Chief

Anurag Thakur: Anurag Thakur, a former president of BJP's youth wing, has a solid background in organizational work. Despite his experience and contributions, his exclusion from recent Union council of ministers was unexpected. Thakur, who previously held key portfolios such as sports and information and brocasting in Modi government, has consistently won from Hamirpur seat in Himachal Presh, marking his fifth consecutive victory.  

Sunil Bansal: Currently BJP national general secretary, Sunil Bansal is recognized as a key figure behind party's success in Uttar Presh under PM Modi and Amit Shah. He served as co-incharge of UP with Amit Shah in 2014 and led charge for 2017 Assembly elections and 2019 Lok Sabha elections in state. Following his achievements in UP, Bansal was assigned task of strengning BJP in Odisha and Telangana. A former RSS pracharak, Bansal hails from Rajasthan and is seen as close to Amit Shah, with significant support from a segment of RSS.

Vinod Tawde: Anor national general secretary, Vinod Tawde, was promoted following his effective performance as national secretary. He coordinated BJP's campaigns in states during 2022 election cycle. Tawde, with a background in Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parish, has served as a minister in Maharashtra. Known for his soft-spoken and methodical approach, Tawde has transitioned seamlessly from state to national politics. Hailing from Maratha community, his appointment could be a strategic move ahe of Maharashtra Assembly elections, especially after BJP's setbacks against Maha Vikas Aghi.

Om Birla: outgoing Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla, comes from an RSS and ABVP background. Re-elected from Kota constituency, albeit with a reduced margin, Birla enjoys trust of PM Modi, Amit Shah, and RSS.

Om Mathur: A senior leer from Rajasthan, Om Mathur is a former RSS pracharak with extensive organizational experience. He has successfully managed party's campaigns in states like Gujarat and Uttar Presh. His recent triumph includes Chhattisgarh Assembly election in 2023, where BJP secured a surprising victory over Congress. Mathur is known for his low-profile yet effective leership in organizational matters.

BL Santosh: Presently general secretary (organization) in BJP, BL Santosh is a significant power center within party. With a background as an RSS pracharak, Santosh is known for his effectiveness in ideological training of cres. However, he faces criticism from a section of Karnataka BJP for 2023 election defeat in state. Unlike Bansal, Tawde, and Mathur, Santosh is more vocal in media and social media, which could be a disvantage.