29-07-2023 : On Saturday, BJP President J P Nadda announced a significant reorganization of the party’s central office-bearers, aiming to bring in fresh faces and strengthen its leadership. Among the notable changes, Tariq Mansoor, a Pasmanda Muslim leader from Uttar Pradesh, was appointed as one of the party’s Vice Presidents, signifying the party’s efforts to reach out to backward Muslim communities.
Another important addition to the team is Bandi Sanjay Kumar, the former Telangana unit chief, who now takes on the role of a National General Secretary. This move is seen as a strategic decision to reinforce the party’s presence in the southern state.
However, with the inclusion of new faces, some veteran leaders had to make way. C T Ravi, Dilip Saikia, Vinod Sonkar, Harish Dwivedi, and Sunil Deodhar were dropped as General Secretaries, reflecting a shift in the party’s approach and priorities.
The party’s focus on Chhattisgarh, which is heading for elections, is evident as Saroj Pandey, a Rajya Sabha MP from the state, was appointed as a Vice President. The elevation of Lata Usendi, a tribal leader from Chhattisgarh, to the post of Vice President further underlines the party’s commitment to gaining ground in the region.
The new list includes two new General Secretaries, Anil Antony and Surendra Singh Nagar, both Rajya Sabha MPs from Uttar Pradesh and Assam, respectively. Their inclusion brings new perspectives and expertise to the party’s national leadership team.
Radha Mohan Agrawal, a Rajya Sabha MP from Uttar Pradesh, was one of the two new faces appointed as Vice Presidents, whereas former Union Minister Radha Mohan Singh was dropped from the same position.
The induction of Tariq Mansoor, a former Vice-Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), as a party Vice President holds significance, as it reflects the party’s outreach to Pasmanda Muslims. This move is aimed at projecting a more inclusive image of the party and attracting support from diverse communities.
Although some leaders were dropped from their positions, it is suggested not to read too much into it, as many of them, including C T Ravi, may focus on contesting the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from their likely constituencies.
The appointment of Bandi Sanjay Kumar as a National General Secretary, following his removal as Telangana BJP president, indicates that he still holds value in the national leadership’s eyes. It also serves as a reassurance to the party cadres in the southern state.
Notably, the current list of office-bearers lacks female representation among the General Secretaries. While there are five women Vice Presidents and four women Secretaries, the absence of women among the party’s top decision-makers raises concerns about gender diversity.
Despite the changes, several seasoned leaders, including former Chief Ministers Raman Singh, Vasundhara Raje, and Raghubar Das, were retained as Vice Presidents, ensuring the party benefits from their experience and guidance.
The restructuring comes as J P Nadda’s tenure as BJP President was extended in January to lead the party during the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. The new team aims to strengthen the party’s organizational structure, broaden its appeal to various communities, and prepare for the challenges ahead in the political landscape of India.