04-07-2023 : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has recently appointed new party chiefs in several states, signaling its preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in 2024. This move is part of the party’s strategy to revamp its organization and align it with the ground situation in different states.
One notable appointment is that of Union Culture Minister G. Kishan Reddy, who has been made the state president of Telangana. This decision reflects the BJP’s focus on strengthening its presence in the state and improving its electoral prospects. In addition, Etela Rajender, an MLA and former state minister, has been appointed as the campaign committee chief for the upcoming state elections in Telangana.
BJP chief J.P. Nadda has also made new appointments in Punjab, Jharkhand, and Andhra Pradesh, further indicating the party’s commitment to reorganizing its leadership and structure ahead of the elections. The BJP has scheduled meetings of the state units based on three geographical regions: East, North, and South, which will take place on July 6, 7, and 8.
This reshuffling of party leadership sets the stage for a potential cabinet reshuffle, as Kishan Reddy may have to step down from his current ministerial position to fulfill his new role as the state president of Telangana. Speculation suggests that more changes may occur in the cabinet, including ministers transitioning to organizational roles and the induction of new faces to prepare for the upcoming assembly elections.
In Punjab, former MP and Congress state president Sunil Jakhar, who joined the BJP last year, will replace Ashwini Sharma as the new party chief. Jakhar’s extensive experience in state politics is expected to attract new leaders to the saffron party and strengthen its organization in Punjab, where the Aam Aadmi Party is currently in power. Jakhar had previously raised objections when former Chief Minister Amarinder Singh was removed from his post by the central leadership, highlighting his closeness to Singh.
In Jharkhand, the BJP has appointed its former Chief Minister Babulal Marandi as the state president. Marandi, who had previously formed his own party before rejoining the BJP, is a well-known tribal leader in the state. His appointment aims to consolidate the party’s position in Jharkhand, where the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) is in power.
In Andhra Pradesh, the BJP has entrusted former Union Minister D. Purandeshwari, who is also a BJP general secretary, with the responsibility of leading the party. She is the daughter of former Chief Minister N.T. Ramarao and the sister-in-law of TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu. The BJP and TDP are reportedly in talks for a possible alliance in the state. While Purandeshwari and Naidu may have had differences in the past, this appointment suggests the party’s willingness to bridge those gaps.
Furthermore, BJP chief J.P. Nadda has appointed former Congress state Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy as a member of the BJP National Executive, indicating the party’s efforts to expand its reach and accommodate leaders from other parties.
In Telangana, Kishan Reddy replaces Bandi Sanjay Kumar as the state chief. Reddy previously served as the BJP’s Telangana chief from 2014 to 2016 and was the state chief of undivided Andhra Pradesh from 2010 onwards. Etela Rajender, who joined the BJP from BRS along with other leaders, had raised concerns about Bandi Sanjay Kumar’s leadership. The appointment of Rajender to the election management committee signals the party’s confidence in Reddy and Rajender for the upcoming state elections, with the expectation that they will attract more leaders from the BRS.
The BJP’s decision to make these leadership changes comes in the wake of its loss in Karnataka, which highlighted the need for the party to address regional dynamics and accurately assess the ground situation. By appointing new state chiefs and undertaking a broader organizational overhaul, the BJP aims to strengthen its position and improve its chances in the forthcoming elections.