Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The countdown for the new president of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Madhya Pradesh has begun. The departure of BJP state president VD Sharma after five and a half years is considered certain.
Sharma is likely to be given a new responsibility at the national level in the near future. Typically, the term of a BJP state president is three years, but Sharma is the first to have held the position for such an extended period continuously.
However, there is still suspense over who will replace Sharma. BJP sources say that the election schedule might be announced on Monday. Speculations are still ongoing about several potential candidates for the new state president.
Union Minister and the BJP state election in-charge Dharmendra Pradhan is expected to arrive in Madhya Pradesh on July 1. It is anticipated that the suspense over the name of the new president will end with his arrival.
Betul MLA Hemant Khandelwal is being seen as the most likely candidate. Additionally, discussions are ongoing around the idea of appointing a woman or a tribal leader.
A senior BJP leader is reportedly working to build consensus among all prominent state leaders in favor of Khandelwal. Considering the possibility of a woman president, BJP’s women leaders have also begun lobbying. Meena Singh, Archana Chitnis, Lata Wankhede, and Kavita Patidar are reportedly holding discussions with party leaders at their respective levels.
If a tribal leader is chosen, names like Union Minister of State DD Uikey and Khargone MP Gajendra Patel are also under consideration.
After the selection of the new state president, preparations are being made to convene a meeting of the BJP's state executive committee. This will be the final meeting of the current committee, after which the new president will form his or her own team.
