Race Heats Up for UP BJP President Post: Key Contenders and Political Equations Explained

The race for the post of Uttar Pradesh BJP State President has intensified with the announcement of election dates. With the tenure of incumbent Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary already over, the party is set to unveil its new state chief this Sunday, ending months of speculation within the political corridors.

According to party organisation election officer Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey, nominations for the post will be accepted at the BJP state headquarters on Saturday between 1 pm and 3 pm. The final announcement will be made by Central Election Officer Piyush Goyal on Sunday.

The organisational elections began in October 2024 and continued for 14 months. Of UP’s 98 organisational districts, 84 district presidents have already been elected. More than 1600 of the 1918 mandal-level units have also completed their elections. With the declaration of 350 provincial council members, the stage is now set for the final and most awaited announcement—the new UP BJP State President.

Front-Runners in the Race

1. B.L. Verma

Leading the race is Union Minister B.L. Verma, considered the most prominent OBC face in UP BJP. Known for his proximity to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP’s national general secretary Sunil Bansal, Verma’s organisational credentials and strong network have made him a top contender.

2. Pankaj Chaudhary

Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary is also seen as a strong candidate. A seven-time MP from Maharajganj and a key Kurmi leader from Purvanchal, he enjoys strong backing within the party. His growing stature and political influence have kept him firmly in the spotlight.

3. Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti

A prominent leader from the Nishad community, Union Minister Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti is emerging as a strategic choice for the party. Her strong rapport with both the Central leadership and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, coupled with BJP’s aim to consolidate the Nishad vote bank, has boosted her chances.

4. Swatantra Dev Singh

Former UP BJP President and senior OBC leader Swatantra Dev Singh could also make a comeback. Known for his organisational discipline, he played a pivotal role in steering the party to victory in the 2022 Assembly elections. His proximity to CM Yogi adds to his political weight.

5. Dharmpal Singh

UP Cabinet Minister Dharmpal Singh is another OBC face under consideration. A seasoned politician representing Aonla constituency, his name is being widely discussed. His tenure as Livestock and Dairy Development Minister and earlier as Irrigation Minister has strengthened his administrative credentials.

6. Dinesh Sharma

If the leadership opts for a Brahmin face, former Deputy Chief Minister and current Rajya Sabha MP Dinesh Sharma becomes a strong contender. Known for his clean image and acceptability at both Centre and state levels, Sharma’s political journey from Lucknow Mayor to Deputy CM makes him a formidable candidate. Former MP Harish Dwivedi’s name also figures prominently in this category.

7. Amarpal Maurya

A seasoned organisational leader and Rajya Sabha MP, Amarpal Maurya is another important name in the race. With long-term association with the RSS and experience as BJP’s state general secretary, his candidature carries organisational depth and grassroots connect.

Other Names Generating Buzz

Several other leaders are also being discussed for the prestigious post. These include:

• Vidyasagar Sonkar, a key Dalit face
• Baburam Nishad
• Jugal Kishore (ex-BSP, now with BJP)
• Vinod Sonkar, former MP
• Shrikant Sharma, former minister
• Vijay Bahadur Pathak, state vice president
• Govind Narayan Shukla, state general secretary

Each of these leaders brings unique caste, regional, and organisational strengths to the table, making the final choice a crucial political decision for the party.

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All Eyes on Sunday’s Announcement

As the BJP prepares for the 2027 Assembly elections and seeks to strengthen its organisational machinery, the selection of the new state president holds strategic importance. With multiple heavyweight names in contention, Sunday’s announcement is expected to shape the political narrative within the state unit for the coming years.