Lucknow: Three Uttar Pradesh BJP members are reportedly in contention for induction into the party's national team, which is expected to be constituted shortly. The potential appointees include a former Uttar Pradesh minister from the Thakur community, a former Brahmin MP, and an OBC functionary within the state BJP organization.
Background and Current Roles
While two of these individuals currently serve as in-charges for other states, the third is a key member of the team responsible for training new BJP workers. The formation of the new national team has been pending since Nitin Nabin was elected as BJP national president three months ago. A formal decision is anticipated after the declaration of results for assembly elections in five states, including West Bengal, on May 4.
Reputation and Responsibilities
BJP sources indicate that these three Uttar Pradesh functionaries enjoy a strong reputation with the party's central leadership and are frequently entrusted with critical organizational tasks. At present, five Uttar Pradesh BJP functionaries are part of the existing national team: Rekha Verma, Laxmikant Bajpai, and Tariq Mansoor as vice-presidents; RMD Agarwal as national general secretary; and Surendra Nagar as national secretary. In terms of caste composition, two are OBCs, while one each is Brahmin, Vaishya, and Muslim.
Strategic Implications
By elevating leaders from three influential communities, the party aims to bolster its social coalition, signal inclusivity in the power structure, and prevent any major caste bloc from drifting toward opposition parties. This induction is particularly significant as Uttar Pradesh heads to the polls early next year.
Sources add that the party is taking calibrated measures to strike the right caste and regional balance in the constitution of both national and state teams, as well as in placing key functionaries in various boards and corporations across the state. This development comes amid speculation of a reshuffle in the Yogi cabinet, which may coincide with the reorganization of the state party unit.
Official Statements
While senior Uttar Pradesh BJP leaders declined to comment on the issue, party spokesperson Hero Bajpai stated, "The party will decide after considering all the credentials of the three functionaries. Party functionaries are given responsibility based on their performance."
Organizational Deliberations
Sources reveal that matters concerning the Uttar Pradesh BJP's organizational structure were recently discussed at various forums, including the core committee comprising the Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh BJP chief, state general secretary (organization), deputy chief ministers, and senior RSS functionaries. The committee has deliberated on various names in recent times. BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawde also discussed the matter separately with the Chief Minister and state functionaries during his recent visit to Lucknow. Uttar Pradesh BJP chief Pankaj Chaudhary is said to have discussed the organizational reshuffle with senior party leadership, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and national general secretary (organization) BL Santhosh.
