Is BJP Preparing for a Post-Nadda Era? State Appointments Hint at a Larger Transition

By Harshita Rai

In a string of reshuffles that might seem routine on the surface, the BJP has quietly put its house in order, appointing nine new state unit chiefs in a span of days. But there’s more at play than just new faces in old chairs. These changes are part of a larger, strategic reset—one that seems to be paving the way for the appointment of a new national party president, even as JP Nadda’s term nears its end.

With 28 internal elections now completed—well above the 19 required—the BJP’s organisational machinery is humming steadily. Still, party insiders suggest the final decision on the top post will wait until crucial state elections in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Delhi and Haryana are out of the way.

In Madhya Pradesh, a Familiar Name with Deeper Roots
The choice of Hemant Kumar Khandelwal as the new Madhya Pradesh BJP president is both calculated and symbolic. A two-time MLA from Betul, and former MP, Khandelwal comes with deep Sangh roots and close ties to CM Mohan Yadav. His family has held sway in Betul for decades, and his own organisational stints—as district chief, state treasurer, and head of the Kushabhau Thakre Trust—have earned him respect within the ranks.

The move also speaks to the BJP’s careful caste arithmetic: with an OBC chief minister in Yadav, appointing a leader from the Vaishya (upper caste) community ensures social balance ahead of 2028.

In Maharashtra, Fadnavis’ Trusted Man Steps Up
Ravindra Chavan, a four-term MLA and long-time loyalist of Devendra Fadnavis, has now taken charge in Maharashtra. Having handled key portfolios like Food and Civil Supplies and served as Guardian Minister in two districts, Chavan has earned a reputation as an efficient and grounded leader. His appointment comes just ahead of the all-important municipal elections in Mumbai—a stronghold where the BJP is looking to wrest control from the Shiv Sena factions.

He also represents the kind of no-nonsense leadership the party wants to project—disciplined, loyal, and focused on results.

Uttarakhand and Himachal: Old Hands Return to Steady the Ship
In a rare move, Mahendra Bhatt has been reappointed as Uttarakhand’s BJP president—a first in 25 years. The Rajya Sabha MP and former ABVP leader has been seen as a steady pair of hands, complementing Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami’s leadership. This repeat term signals the party’s confidence in his ability to deliver unity and votes in equal measure.

Himachal Pradesh’s Rajeev Bindal also returns for a third term—another sign of BJP falling back on tested hands. A five-time MLA and former speaker, Bindal’s reappointment suggests continuity amid a rebuilding phase after the party’s 2022 loss.

In the South, Building Alliances and Broadening the Base
The BJP’s new Andhra Pradesh president, PVN Madhav, comes with strong RSS and Yuva Morcha credentials and is being seen as the bridge between the party’s core ideology and its expanding alliance with the TDP and Janasena.

In Telangana, senior advocate N Ramchander Rao has been picked over flashier contenders like Etala Rajender. A loyalist with a clean image and non-factional approach, Rao is expected to bring stability. However, not everyone’s happy—senior leader Raja Singh has already quit in protest, showing that even low-profile choices can spark internal tensions.

Northeast and Union Territories: Strategic Quiet Moves
Mizoram’s new chief, Dr. K Beichhua, is a former MNF minister who joined BJP last year and has quickly climbed the ranks. His medical background and grassroots connect make him a practical choice in a challenging state.

In Puducherry, VP Ramalingam—an industrialist-turned-politician—has been given the reins. In Andaman and Nicobar, the RSS-backed Anil Tiwari will lead the charge. Both are seen as reliable hands who can quietly strengthen the party at the booth level.

Reading Between the Lines
The real takeaway from this churn isn’t just about who’s in and who’s out—it’s about what comes next. These new appointments speak to BJP’s need to solidify local leadership, reflect regional diversity, and prepare for the larger national picture. Whether it’s rebalancing caste combinations in Madhya Pradesh or setting the groundwork in Andhra for stronger alliance politics, the party is making each move with 2029 in sight.

Also worth noting is the recurring theme: loyalty to the party’s ideology, links to the RSS, and administrative or grassroots experience. BJP isn’t experimenting with outsiders or headline-grabbing faces—it’s banking on tried-and-tested loyalists who can deliver quietly but effectively.

With the national presidency expected to be decided after the next round of key state polls, this reshuffle is the groundwork—a steady rhythm before the next big drumbeat.