Speculation is mounting that Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis could be elevated as the next president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), replacing JP Nadda, reports Live Hindustan.com.
The tenure of Nadda, who assumed the post in 2020, has officially ended. His term was extended to steer the party through crucial contests, including the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Now entrusted with significant governmental responsibilities as Union Minister and Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha, Nadda is widely expected to step aside from the party’s top organisational role.
Organisational elections under way
The BJP has announced that the process to elect a new national president will conclude by December 2025. A phased membership and organisational election exercise began on 1 August 2025, encompassing a membership drive, local and district-level polls, and the constitution of state and central councils. Once more than half of the states complete their internal elections, the formal process to select the national president will commence.
Possible contenders
Party insiders suggest that the leadership transition is being carefully managed, with names of several leaders doing the rounds. Apart from Devendra Fadnavis, former Union Minister Radha Mohan Singh and other senior figures are being discussed.
Some within the party have hinted that the high command may consider elevating a woman leader or an OBC/SC candidate to broaden its appeal ahead of key state elections. However, speculation remains strongest around Fadnavis, who is seen as an able administrator with both governance and organisational experience.
The transition is viewed as critical to reinforcing the BJP’s organisational machinery as it faces fresh political challenges. Under Nadda’s leadership, the party notched up historic successes, particularly in the 2024 general election, but also endured electoral setbacks in several states. His shift to parliamentary responsibilities is being interpreted as part of the BJP’s evolving strategy to distribute responsibilities between governance and organisational leadership.