RSS overhang on choice of party president by BJP

The BJP and its ideological mentor, the RSS, are brainstorming over the appointment of the next party president, at a time when the relations between the two are at a low ebb following the setback in the recent Lok Sabha elections.

- GAURAV VIVEK BHATNAGAR

The peculiar circumstances have fuelled the buzz that the next party president could be one with Sangh background. The choice would also factor in the political variables and the current challenges being faced by the BJP.

There was a marked shift in Dalit votes in the elections, which cost the party dear. A major reason for this was the campaign underpinning that the party needed a two-thirds majority for changing the Constitution. This sentiment was exploited by the Opposition to convey that the BJP wanted to do away with the Constitution and the existing reservation regime. As such, many now believe that a Dalit leader would be selected as the party president.

Others believe that the post should go to a person from the Other Backward Classes, as they too constitute a significant section of the electorate and some among them have also moved away from the BJP. However, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself being an OBC, the party can discount this factor.