Discussions have intensified over the selection of the new state president of the Bharatiya Janata Party as sources claim that UP's next BJP state chief might be from Other Backward Class or Brahmin community.
“The name has been finalised and in all likelihood it will be announced after the presidential election,” a senior leader told this reporter on Saturday.
Ever since Dr Dinesh Sharma left his position as the leader of the UP Legislative Council, his name is doing the rounds as next BJP state president. Apart from him, there are rumours that Shrikant Sharma and two other MPs, all Brahmins, could be appointed as next BJP state president.
At the same time, the possibility of someone from west UP becoming the president was also very high, a senior party leader said.
He said names like those of minister Bhupendra Chaudhary, Union Minister of State Sanjeev Balyan, Union Minister of State BL Verma, and Satish Gautam were also doing the rounds.
The post of BJP state president fell vacant after the present incumbent Swatantra Dev Singh, who is also an MLC, became a minister in the Yogi government.
The selection of the new candidate for BJP state president’s post is being made keeping an eye on the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The BJP's performance in 2014, 2017, 2019 and 2022 elections in UP has been spectacular.
“The leadership wants to give reins of the party to such a person who can perform better in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections,” the leader said.
He said the party was looking for a face who would excel in taking the policies of the party to the ground level and had good rapport with the party workers.
“Caste is also a consideration. Everyone is waiting for the new name which will be announced soon,” he said.