The new team of BJP, announced of Sunday, will steer the party into the next lok Sabha election due next year. Some non-performers have been dropped and responsibilities of some others have been changed. Out of power for two consecutive terms, the BJP has banked on youth power and hardline leaders to revive its electoral fortunes. Here’s how the new BJP team, finalised after several rounds of negotiations among top party leaders, looks.
Amit Shah
The 49-year-old politician from Gujarat is a controversial figure and a trusted aide of Chief Minister Narendra Modi. He had been to jail in a fake encounter case, but BJP has been accusing Congress of framing the leader. As general secretary, Shah will occupy important office in BJP headquarters. His future role in the BJP will be closely watched.
Varun Gandhi
The 33-year-old Pilibhit MP is considered a Hindutva face of the BJP. Free from a hate speech case, Varun promotion as general secretary signals his growing profile in the party and in Uttar Pradesh. Gandhi faces the onerous task of rejuvenating the party in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the lok Sabha poll.
Uma Bharti
The 54-year-old former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister was tipped to become general secretary of the party, but she was accommodated as vice-president. It remains unclear as to what role she would perform in her present capacity. But, having spent few years outside the party, the new assignment brings her back into the party’s main stream — at the national level.
SS Ahluwalia
First denied a Rajya Sabha berth from Bihar and then forced into a losing electoral battle in Jharkhand last year, the 62-year-old ace parliamentarian has made a comeback. Having served the BJP as its chief whip and deputy leader in Rajya Sabha, this is Ahluwalila’s first responsibility outside the Parliament. He is expected to play a bigger role in preparations for the lok Sabha polls.
Poonam Mahajan
The 33-year-old daughter of slain BJP leader Pramod Mahajan was vice-president in the outgoing team of party’s youth wing. Having unsuccessfully contested the 2009 Maharashtra poll, Poonam is seen one of the future leaders of the party. She begins her national innings as secretary of the party.
Sudhanshu Trivedi
A close confidant of BJP chief Rajnath Singh, Trivedi is an associate professor of mechanical engineering at an Uttar Pradesh university.
As spokesman of the party, Trivedi will play a greater role in articulating the view of the party on media platforms. Considered an ace strategist, Trivedi will be Singh’s eyes and ears.