By Arun Pratap Singh
Dehradun, 22 May: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Uttarakhand is poised to again resume the process of electing a new state president for Uttarakhand. Well-placed sources in the party indicate that the new BJP state president may be ‘elected’ by mid-June. Currently, Rajya Sabha MP Mahendra Bhatt remains the state party president even months after his term ended. The party also blames the Pahalgam terror attack as a major factor behind the additional delay in the completion of the election process.
Speaking to Garhwal Post, BJP’s state election officer Khajan Das confirmed that the election process, previously delayed, is now back on track. He added the central leadership of BJP is likely to announce the observer anytime now to conduct the election of the state president. The election process will start with the deployment of observers.
BJP state in-charge Dushyant Gautam, in an informal interaction with the media, also echoed this sentiment during his visit to Uttarakhand, emphasising the party’s readiness to proceed with the organisational transition.
It may be recalled that leadership change was initially anticipated by 30 April but was deferred due to national security concerns. The Pahalgam attack on 22 April, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, prompted a swift military response through Operation Sindoor. The Operation Sindoor led to a hold of all political activities in the party for a while.
The BJP’s organisational activities, previously on hold, have now resumed with a new vigour. The party is now actively engaging in discussions from Dehradun to Delhi to ensure a smooth leadership transition. The upcoming appointment is expected to align with the party’s broader strategic objectives, especially in the wake of recent national security challenges.
Currently, Rajya Sabha MP Mahendra Bhatt holds the position of state president. Sources claim that Bhatt also is a strong contender for reappointment. In fact, till a few months ago, the party sources were claiming that Bhatt had a strong likelihood of getting re-elected. However, some of his recent statements or actions were deemed controversial within the party like his strong defence to the controversial then Cabinet Minister Prem Chand Aggarwal. Following this, it was also revealed that Bhatt had some business relationship regarding property dealings with the son of Aggarwal. However, with Aggarwal having been asked to quit, Bhatt’s chances of re-appointment are back on track. The BJP’s constitution permits two straight terms for the state party president and Bhatt has completed his first term but has been given an indefinite extension till the election to this post is held or a new appointment is declared by the party.
There are however some other strong names emerging as possible replacement to Bhatt and these include the party’s general secretary Aditya Kothari and Dharampur MLA Vinod Chamoli.
Speaking informally with media persons, the current BJP State President Mahendra Bhatt asserted that the process of electing a new state president is in progress. He said that nominations will be done on the day decided by the election officer. Mahendra Bhatt said that the party’s decision is acceptable to everyone. He said that BJP is a disciplined party. This is seen in all the decisions.
