Political activity inside the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Uttar Pradesh has suddenly intensified after a series of high-level meetings between Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leaders and senior BJP officials. As a result, strong speculation has emerged about major organisational changes within the party. In particular, discussions about selecting a new state BJP president have gained momentum.
Meanwhile, BJP National General Secretary (Organisation) BL Santosh’s visit to Lucknow has further added fuel to the political buzz. Although his visit was officially called routine, it has now sparked wide debate across political circles. In fact, many within the party believe that his trip signals important decisions in the coming days.
BL Santosh Meets RSS Leaders and BJP’s Top Brass
First, BL Santosh held a closed-door meeting with senior RSS officials at a hotel in Lucknow. Reportedly, he came with feedback related to organisational changes, which he discussed in detail with the RSS leadership in Uttar Pradesh. Moreover, key RSS functionaries from the state were present at this meeting, indicating its importance.
Later in the evening, around 6:30 pm, a second and much more crucial meeting took place at the Chief Minister’s residence. Importantly, this was described as a BJP coordination meeting involving the government, party organisation, and RSS.
Those present included BL Santosh, State Organisation General Secretary Dharmpal Singh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, and State BJP President Bhupendra Chaudhary. Furthermore, several senior leaders joined the discussion, making it a key political event.
The meeting lasted around three hours. During this time, leaders reportedly reviewed previous decisions and assessed future programmes. In addition, discussions focused on upcoming panchayat elections and the 2027 Assembly elections. At the same time, the leaders also discussed appointments to government boards, corporations, and commissions, which affect party workers directly.
Organisational Reshuffle on the Agenda?
Although coordination meetings generally review government work and party functioning, this time the focus appeared wider. According to sources, discussions on organisational restructuring were also part of the agenda.
Additionally, it is believed that BL Santosh conveyed the thinking of the central leadership on appointing a new state BJP president. As a result, efforts are underway to build consensus on a single name.
Moreover, organisational preparations are already in place. Recently, the BJP appointed 14 new district presidents, and now 70 out of 80 organisational districts have leadership in place. Therefore, the party has fulfilled the basic requirement to declare a new state president at any time.
Who Is the Chief Minister’s Preferred Choice?
According to party insiders, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has his own set of preferred candidates. On one hand, among OBC leaders, he reportedly favours former state president Swatantra Dev Singh. On the other hand, among Brahmin faces, Dinesh Sharma is considered his choice.
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However, the party organisation and central leadership appear to be considering different names. Among OBC leaders, Animal Husbandry Minister Dharmpal Singh and Baburam Nishad are said to be strong contenders. Meanwhile, another prominent name being discussed is that of former Union Minister and ex-MP Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, who belongs to the Nishad community and is closely associated with the Hindutva movement.
Therefore, it is widely believed that these names were discussed in the coordination meeting.
RSS Feedback Before 2027 Elections
Party observers suggest that the top BJP leadership may have already made an internal decision on the next state president. Still, the ongoing discussion is aimed at ensuring broader agreement.
Meanwhile, during the RSS meeting, ground-level feedback related to the 2027 Assembly elections was reportedly taken. Furthermore, concerns were expressed over the slow involvement of MLAs and MPs in the ongoing SIR exercise.
Sources claimed that many elected representatives are treating SIR as an issue related only to the Election Commission and, as a result, are not actively helping the public. Therefore, the leadership discussed ways to improve participation and coordination.
CM Yogi’s Hindutva Agenda Also Reviewed
In addition, the meeting also covered Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s Hindutva-focused initiatives. These included proposals to set up detention centres to deal with suspected illegal migrants in every district.
Furthermore, leaders discussed strategies related to expanding outreach among Dalits and backward communities through religious programmes connected with the Ram Temple initiative. Hence, the emphasis appeared not just religious but also political.
Notably, during the Dharm Dhwaja event in Ayodhya, CM Yogi had met the RSS chief for nearly half an hour. However, details of that conversation have not been made public.
Coordination Meeting Concludes
Finally, the coordination meeting at the Chief Minister’s residence concluded late in the night. Afterwards, BL Santosh and other senior leaders were seen leaving the venue.
Overall, the visit of the BJP’s National Organisation General Secretary has clearly triggered political churn in Uttar Pradesh. Therefore, all eyes are now on the party’s next move, especially the announcement of a new state BJP president.
