As the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) shifts its focus from national elections to crucial state battles, all eyes are now on the question: Who will succeed JP Nadda as the party's national president? The answer may come sooner than expected, as internal organisational elections across state units near the 50% completion threshold, unlocking the process for selecting a new party chief.

JP Nadda, who assumed leadership in January 2020, had his term extended beyond the initial June 2023 deadline due to the relentless election cycle, which included multiple state contests and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. With BJP now strategizing for Bihar Assembly polls in 2025 and key elections in West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Assam in 2026, the timing for a leadership transition is both strategic and constitutionally aligned.

What Is the ‘Rule of 19’ in BJP's Constitution?

The BJP constitution mandates that a national president can only be elected once organisational elections in at least 50% of its recognised state units are complete. With 37 state units, this translates to at least 19 units needing to elect their state presidents before a new national president can be appointed.

As of now, 14 state units have concluded the required processes, while five more are expected to finish in the coming weeks. With the internal electoral machinery active and district and mandal-level elections underway, party insiders say the leadership change could be formalised by the second week of July 2025.

This 'Rule of 19' is deeply embedded in the BJP’s bottom-up organisational philosophy, ensuring that grassroots leaders participate in shaping the central leadership, even though the final decision is usually consensus-driven.

BJP’s Internal Election Process: A Bottom-Up Approach

The BJP follows a hierarchical electoral process for selecting leaders, beginning with:

1. Booth-level presidents

2. Mandal (block) presidents

3. District-level presidents

4. State-level presidents

5. National president

While the process is comprehensive, the actual appointment of the national president is almost always uncontested, determined after extensive backroom deliberations between senior BJP leadership and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

RSS-BJP Coordination: The Strategic Backbone

The RSS continues to play a decisive role in selecting the BJP’s national president. Discussions between senior Sangh functionaries and BJP top brass are reportedly in their final phase, with ideological alignment, regional balance, and caste representation all factoring into the decision.

This RSS-BJP synergy ensures that the new leader aligns with the party’s broader vision while also preparing for critical elections in 2025 and 2026, where Bihar remains a top priority.

Who Are the Frontrunners to Replace JP Nadda?

Though the BJP has not released an official shortlist, several names are being speculated:

• Union ministers with proven organisational abilities

• Senior RSS-aligned functionaries

• Chief ministers or ex-CMs who may be shifted to Delhi

• Current general secretaries or state presidents who have delivered electoral success

Party insiders suggest the final choice will reflect a blend of electoral strategy and ideological commitment. The new president may also oversee a reshuffle of the Union Cabinet or transitions in BJP-led state governments.

Link to Cabinet Reshuffle and State Changes?

Sources say the new national president’s appointment could coincide with:

• A cabinet reshuffle to reward performance or signal course correction

• Changes in BJP-led state governments, particularly in states facing anti-incumbency

• New in-charges for state units, especially in regions with upcoming elections

These coordinated moves aim to revitalize the BJP’s machinery ahead of the next major electoral cycle.

Nadda's Legacy: A Presidency in a Tumultuous Era

JP Nadda’s presidency spanned some of the most challenging and transformative phases in recent BJP history:

• Led the party through the pandemic-affected Bihar election in 2020

• Managed BJP’s campaigns across states like UP, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, and Karnataka

• Oversaw the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where BJP returned to power but lost its parliamentary majority

His extension beyond the constitutional term underscores the confidence PM Narendra Modi and the party placed in his leadership during high-stakes elections.

Why the Timing Matters: Focus Shifts to Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Bengal

As the BJP recalibrates its post-2024 strategy, the new national president will immediately face the challenge of:

• Delivering a strong performance in Bihar in 2025, where the BJP wants to reclaim its lost dominance

• Expanding the party’s base in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, where it is seeking long-term ideological footholds

• Consolidating gains in West Bengal, where the BJP remains a strong opposition force

These are crucial electoral battlefields that demand a president with grassroots connect, ideological clarity, and political tact.

Conclusion: BJP’s Next Chapter Begins With the Rule of 19

The BJP’s transition to a new national president is not just a routine organisational change—it signals a strategic repositioning for the battles ahead. With 19 state units serving as the gateway, the party is expected to finalise the process within weeks.

While JP Nadda’s tenure was defined by continuity and crisis management, his successor will need to reenergize the cadre, reshape public messaging, and navigate coalition politics in a changing India.

The upcoming decision will shape not just the future of the BJP, but also the broader political landscape of India as it marches toward 2029.

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