TPN Pardhu
Telangana, Jan 6: The Telangana BJP has initiated the process of appointing a new state president, sparking interest and competition among party leaders. A senior BJP leader from Warangal district revealed that while many leaders are vying for the position, four prominent names are under serious consideration.
The process of electing the new president is tied to the party’s organizational elections. Mandal committee elections are scheduled for January 6th and 7th, followed by district committee elections. Once these are completed, it is expected that a new president for the Telangana BJP will be announced by the end of January.
Multiple Leaders in the Fray
Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje has been appointed as the election officer to oversee the process. The race for the position includes several senior leaders and three MPs, creating significant anticipation about who will lead the party.
Among the hopefuls, the names of Nizamabad MP Dharmapuri Arvind, Medak MP Raghunandan Rao, Malkajgiri MP Etala Rajender, and former MLC Ramchandra Rao are prominent. Additionally, Chintala Ramachandra Reddy, Gangidi Manohar Reddy, NVSS Prabhakar, and Kasam Venkateswarlu are also aspiring for the role.
Etala Rajender is seen as a strong contender, but reports suggest he faces opposition within the party. Meanwhile, MPs Arvind and Raghunandan Rao are reportedly lobbying intensively in Delhi for the post. Notably, MLA Raja Singh has declined any interest in taking up the position.
Challenges for Current Leadership
Union Minister Kishan Reddy, the current Telangana BJP president, has held the position four times and led the party during the 2023 assembly elections. However, balancing his responsibilities as a state president and a key central minister for coal and mines has created significant work pressure.
Given these challenges, the party is considering appointing a new leader to focus solely on state-level responsibilities.
Social Equations at Play
The BJP appears to be weighing social equations in its decision. Over the past decade, Telangana BJP presidents have hailed from both OC and BC communities. With one OC and one BC leader already serving in the central cabinet, the party may aim to maintain a balance in leadership representation.
There is also speculation about whether the party will prioritize leaders with long-standing BJP affiliations or consider those who joined from other parties. The selection is expected to align with the party's strategy for the upcoming elections.
The BJP is likely to finalize its decision on the new state president by the end of January. With social dynamics and election preparations in focus, the leadership choice will play a crucial role in shaping the party's prospects in Telangana.
