As the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) looks to the future following the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, political watchers across the nation are asking: Who will be the next BJP president? With current party chief J.P. Nadda’s term nearing its end, the race to lead the world’s largest political party has quietly begun.(https://newsium.in/)
While the BJP is known for its disciplined cadre and centralised decision-making, leadership transitions are never without speculation, internal assessments, and strategic calculations. Let’s look at the frontrunners and what they bring to the table.
Amit Shah – The Strategic Mastermind
Though currently serving as the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah’s name remains evergreen when discussing BJP’s internal leadership. Having already served as party president from 2014 to 2020, Shah is credited with turning the BJP into a formidable election-winning machine.https://mediawala.live/
Pros:
- Proven organisational strength
- Strong rapport with RSS
- Trusted by PM Modi
Cons:
- His focus remains on governance and internal security
- Likely to continue shaping strategy from the cabinet, not the party office
Verdict: A powerful kingmaker more than a contender — but not entirely out of the race.
Bhupender Yadav – The Silent Organiser
Currently the Union Minister for Labour and Employment, Bhupender Yadav has long been BJP’s backroom strategist. He played a critical role in shaping the party’s electoral strategy in states like Bihar and Gujarat and is considered close to both PM Modi and Amit Shah.
Pros:
- Low-profile but high-impact
- Deep knowledge of organisational matters
- RSS background
Cons:
- Not a mass leader
- Lacks pan-India appeal outside party circles
Verdict: A strong internal choice, particularly if the party wants a low-drama, efficient president.
Vasundhara Raje – A Balancing Act
The former Rajasthan Chief Minister has had a complex relationship with the central BJP leadership, but she remains immensely popular in Rajasthan and among certain BJP factions.
Pros:
- Mass base in Rajasthan
- Experience in governance and party work
Cons:
- Perceived as independent-minded
- Mixed relationship with central leadership
Verdict: A bold, unexpected pick if BJP seeks to diversify its leadership face.
Devendra Fadnavis – The Maharashtra Moderniser
Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra’s former Chief Minister and current Deputy CM, is seen as one of BJP’s most articulate and modern faces. Known for his administrative acumen, Fadnavis has a relatively clean image and is popular among youth and urban voters.
Pros:
- Youthful image and energetic leadership
- Track record of governance
- Strong command of English and Hindi media
Cons:
- Busy managing Maharashtra alliance politics
- May be more valuable in state than at party HQ
Verdict: A strong contender if BJP wants a fresh, modern image.
K. Laxman – Voice of the South
Currently serving as the head of BJP’s OBC Morcha, K. Laxman is considered instrumental in expanding the party’s southern reach, particularly in Telangana. He may be a strategic pick to signal BJP’s growing focus on South India.
Pros:
- Represents the South, a region where BJP seeks growth
- Strong organisational man with grassroots support
Cons:
- Limited national recognition
- Still emerging on the national stage
Verdict: A symbolic and strategic pick if BJP wants to emphasise inclusivity and regional outreach.
Sunil Bansal – The Ground Game Specialist
Sunil Bansal is the man behind BJP’s massive UP success stories. A low-profile, behind-the-scenes organiser, Bansal has grown through the RSS ranks and is known for his precise election machinery skills.
Pros:
- Strong RSS backing
- Extensive organisational experience
- Known for micro-level planning
Cons:
- Not a public face of the party
- May be seen as too behind-the-scenes for a top role
Verdict: Could be a dark horse—trusted by the core leadership.
Dushyant Gautam or Vinod Tawde – The Gen-Next Faces
Both leaders have been quietly rising through the party ranks and have played crucial roles in youth outreach, ideological propagation, and media management. If BJP wants to nurture a next-gen leader, either could emerge as a surprise pick.
What Does the RSS Think?
No BJP presidential decision is made without consultation with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The Sangh favours leaders with strong ideological grounding and organisational experience. This makes figures like Bhupender Yadav, Sunil Bansal, or even K. Laxman more favourable than high-profile mass leaders.
Timing the Transition
The timing of the next BJP presidential election will depend on electoral calendars, internal party reviews, and overall national political dynamics. With several major state elections coming up—including Maharashtra, Haryana, and Jharkhand—the BJP may want to appoint a president capable of navigating these contests while laying groundwork for the 2029 general elections.
Conclusion: All Eyes on the Core Committee
While speculation continues, the final decision will likely rest with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and the party’s parliamentary board. The next president of BJP will not just lead the party into the next electoral cycle—but will also shape its post-Modi era identity.
Whoever takes the reins will have to balance ideology, governance, mass appeal, and organisational discipline—qualities that define the BJP’s current dominance in Indian politics.
