Speculations have gained momentum over yesterday about a possible change in leadership in the BJP at the national level as well in its Uttar Pradesh unit. Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary on Saturday filed his nomination papers for the post of the Uttar Pradesh BJP chief, and was the only candidate to do so. Meanwhile, it is certain that Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan may be tipped to take over the baton at the national level from Union Minister J P Nadda.
A party functionary confirmed both the development and that Chaudhary’s name as the next Uttar Pradesh BJP president is likely to be announced on Sunday by the central election officer and Union Minister Piyush Goyal.
Sources said security was tightened around the Bhopal residence of Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday, though officials said it could be part of a routine exercise following a periodic review. A makeshift tent was erected outside the main gate, and a number of barricades were placed along the busy Link Road, while additional police personnel were also seen in the residential area of Chouhan, who arrived at the residence late Friday night and left for Delhi on Saturday afternoon. Party sources said the sudden increase in security led to speculation in local political circles that Chouhan could soon be appointed as BJP president.
Chaudhary submitted the papers to former Union minister and BJP State election officer Mahendra Nath Pandey and central election observer Vinod Tawde. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak and Jal Shakti Minister Swatantra Dev Singh were also present for the submission, party sources said.
Chaudhary’s anointment is being seen in view of the upcoming panchayat elections and the 2027 Assembly elections, and the candidate with strong regional and caste equations would be chosen. Chaudhary is a seven-time MP from the Maharajganj parliamentary constituency. A member of the Kurmi caste, categorised as Other Backwards Classes (OBC), he is considered a trusted confidante of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
