New Delhi:
According to reports citing BJP sources, the new team of central office-bearers is likely to include vice-presidents, general secretaries, secretaries and heads of party morchas. The exercise is expected to bring in fresh faces while retaining some experienced leaders in key roles. The process reportedly gathered pace after the Adhi Maas period ended on June 15.
The buzz within the party is that Nabin’s team will reflect a blend of youth and experience, with greater representation for OBC, Dalit and women leaders. Reports also suggest that the BJP may make changes in its apex organisational structures, including the parliamentary board, as part of the wider reset.
A key focus is expected to be the southern states, where the BJP has been trying to expand its footprint. Leaders from these states may be given bigger organisational responsibilities, while politically crucial states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab and West Bengal are also expected to get due weightage.
Some names are already doing the rounds in political circles. From Rajasthan, leaders such as Satish Poonia, Sunil Bansal, C P Joshi, Rajendra Rathore, Alka Singh Gurjar and Anita Bhadel have been mentioned as possible contenders for central responsibilities. Reports suggest the BJP may prefer leaders under 60 with RSS background, organisational experience and a record of electoral work.
Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu is also being watched closely after reports said he could be given a key role in Punjab, where the BJP is trying to strengthen its organisation ahead of the next state election. The BJP has already appointed Kewal Singh Dhillon as Punjab president, Harsh Malhotra in Delhi, Archana Gupta in Haryana and Abhishek Debroy in Tripura, in what was seen as the first major round of appointments under Nabin.
Nabin, who formally took charge as BJP president in January, is the youngest leader to head the party. His first national team will be watched closely for signals on generational change, caste balance, women’s representation and the party’s strategy for upcoming state elections.