In a First, BJP May Appoint a Woman as National President

In a significant organisational overhaul, the BJP is now turning its attention to selecting a new national president, following recent appointments of state and Union territory chiefs. With the term of incumbent JP Nadda coming to an end, speculations are rife about who will take over the top position—and reports suggest the party may appoint a woman for the role for the first time in its history.

JP Nadda has been serving as BJP’s national president since 2020. Though his term officially ended in 2023, it was extended by a year to guide the party through the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Now that the elections are over, the search for a new party chief has gained momentum.

According to party insiders quoted by Live Hindustan, the BJP is seriously considering a female leader for the post, aligning with its increasing focus on women’s representation and voter base.

Here are some of the key contenders:

Nirmala Sitharaman:

Currently serving as the Union Finance Minister since 2019, Sitharaman is one of the most prominent women in the BJP leadership. Her political influence and administrative experience make her a strong candidate. Her southern roots, particularly in Tamil Nadu, are seen as strategically beneficial as the BJP continues its push to strengthen its presence in South India. Notably, she recently met with JP Nadda and BJP General Secretary BL Santhosh at the party headquarters, sparking further speculation.

D Purandeswari:

The former chief of the BJP's Andhra Pradesh unit, Purandeswari has played a key role in both state and national politics. She was also a member of the government's international outreach initiative, Operation Sindoor, aimed at presenting India’s anti-terrorism stance across Europe. Her experience and representation from the southern region could add to her appeal.

Vanathi Srinivasan:

An influential grassroots leader, Vanathi currently serves as the national president of BJP Mahila Morcha. She made headlines in 2021 by defeating actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan in the Coimbatore South constituency. A long-time party worker since 1993, she was inducted into the BJP’s Central Election Committee in 2022, reflecting her growing prominence within the organisation.

Why a Woman President Now?

The BJP's move to possibly appoint a woman national president aligns with its growing outreach to women voters. The party’s recent successes have often been bolstered by significant support from female constituencies. The passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill in 2023, which mandates 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, also reflects the party’s evolving stance on gender representation.

By nominating a woman for its top organisational post, the BJP could signal its commitment to women’s empowerment, both within the party and across the nation.

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