Who Will Be BJP’s Next UP President? Six Key Names, Including Former Deputy CM, on Shortlist

National News: The Uttar Pradesh unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has sent the names of six leaders to the central leadership for the post of state president. These names have been decided keeping in mind the social balance—two Brahmins, two Other Backward Classes (OBC), and two from the Dalit community. According to party sources, this decision is being taken in view of not getting the expected success in the assembly elections to be held in the state in 2027 and the Lok Sabha elections in 2024.

Potential candidates from Brahmin, OBC, and Dalit classes

The names sent by the BJP include:

From the Brahmin class—

Dr. Dinesh Sharma: Former Deputy Chief Minister and associated with the education world. Good hold in Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and party leadership. Harish Dwivedi: A former MP from Basti, known as a young face, has also been the national secretary of the party.

From the OBC category

Dharampal Singh: Currently a senior minister in the Uttar Pradesh government. Belongs to the Lodhi community, years of administrative and legislative experience. BL Verma: Union Minister of State, disciplined and simple organizer, deep association with RSS, strong hold in the organization.

From the SC class

Ramshankar Katheria: Former Union Minister and former Chairman of the Scheduled Caste Commission. Vocal on Hindutva and Dalit issues. Vidya Sagar Sonkar: MLC, known as an influential, calm, and loyal worker in Eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Decision taken as part of future strategy

The post of Uttar Pradesh BJP President is currently held by Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary, who comes from the Jat community. Party sources said that the new president is being selected keeping in mind the upcoming assembly elections so that the party can ensure a third consecutive term in Lucknow and bring new energy to the organization.

A decision can be taken soon.

A senior party leader said, "We have proposed six suitable names. Now the central leadership is evaluating them. A decision can be taken in the next two weeks or even earlier."

Preparations for change at the national level too

The BJP has already changed presidents in more than 25 of the 37 state units in the country. Now the process of change is going on in some major states, including Uttar Pradesh, and the party is also moving towards announcing its new national president.

What are the expectations from the new president?

The new state president is expected to strengthen the organization, bring together various social sections, and improve the party's performance in the upcoming elections. Current president Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary said, "We have given our suggestions to the central leadership. Now the high command has to take the final decision. It is expected that the new state president will be announced soon."