The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is undergoing a significant organisational revamp, and the spotlight is now on who will take over the post of national president. This development comes after the party recently appointed new unit chiefs in six states and Union territories.
With JP Nadda’s term officially ending in 2023, though extended until after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP is now actively exploring leadership options. According to sources from Live Hindustan, the party may be poised to appoint its first-ever woman president.
Frontrunners for BJP National President
Nirmala Sitharaman
Currently serving as India’s Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman is considered a top contender. A powerful voice in the BJP, her Tamil Nadu roots could prove strategically advantageous as the party seeks to expand its influence in southern India. She recently held meetings with JP Nadda and BJP General Secretary BL Santhosh, signalling active involvement in key party discussions.
D Purandeswari
A prominent BJP face in Andhra Pradesh, D Purandeswari recently led the party’s state unit and was part of Operation Sindoor, a diplomatic delegation that highlighted India’s anti-terrorism position in major European capitals. Her strong organisational background makes her a strong candidate for the top role.
Vanathi Srinivasan
National President of BJP’s Mahila Morcha, Vanathi Srinivasan has been a loyal party member since 1993. She gained national attention after defeating Kamal Haasan in Tamil Nadu’s Coimbatore South constituency in 2021. Her inclusion in the Central Election Committee in 2022 marked her rise in national politics.
Why BJP May Pick a Woman
Sources say the BJP’s growing support base among women voters is a key factor in the leadership decision. Appointing a woman president would reinforce the party’s commitment to gender representation, especially after the Women’s Reservation Bill—which provides for 33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies—was passed in Parliament in 2023.
The move would not only symbolize the BJP’s alignment with the bill but also reflect a broader strategy to consolidate support among women, particularly in upcoming state and national elections.
As the BJP gears up for the next phase of leadership, the party’s decision is likely to make a historic impact—both internally and across the political landscape of India.