Archana Gupta, a dental surgeon and veteran of over 15 years with the Bharatiya Janata Party, has completed one month as the president of the Haryana BJP state unit. She is the first woman to hold this position in four decades, since Kamla Gupta led the party in the 1980s. The appointment is seen as a strategic move by the BJP to strengthen its appeal among women and youth in a state known for its patriarchal social structure.
Immediate Priority: Reclaiming Lost Ground
Gupta has identified improving the BJP's performance in the five Lok Sabha constituencies and 42 Assembly segments lost in the 2024 elections as her foremost priority. In an interview with The Tribune, she stated, “While expanding the party’s base by bringing in more women and youngsters into the fold is a focus area, I have my eyes set on improving the party’s performance in the Lok Sabha and Assembly constituencies while building a stronger organisational structure.”
Background and Rise in Politics
After practicing dentistry in Panipat since 1994, Gupta remained active with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), organizing health check-up camps, menstrual hygiene and breast cancer awareness campaigns, plantation drives, and blood donation camps. She joined the VHP in 2010 and entered active politics in 2016. “Being a doctor, I was involved in organising these social initiatives before entering active politics,” she said.
Focus on Women and Youth Engagement
Gupta emphasized that women constitute half the population and ensuring their greater participation in active politics is a priority. “We want to first engage women and youth through social activities and outreach programmes before preparing them for organisational responsibilities,” she explained. She claimed the exercise has already begun, having visited 22 districts since taking over, with plans to cover the remaining districts soon.
No Patriarchal Hurdles, Says Gupta
When asked if Haryana's patriarchal social structure could pose a challenge to a woman leading the state unit, Gupta dismissed the notion. “I have received overwhelming support everywhere. Male and female workers alike have welcomed me. I have not experienced any patriarchal attitude within the organisation,” she stated.
Addressing Internal Party Issues
Regarding the absence of Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh and his MLAs from a recent function attended by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Chief Minister Nayab Saini in Rewari, Gupta downplayed it as “the result of a communication gap. The party is looking into the matter.” On the party's role while the BJP is in government, she said, “We are going to extend a helping hand. We are gearing up for the HTET exam and will offer whatever assistance is needed.”
