New BJP President: My Pick is Anurag Thakur
New BJP President: My Pick is Anurag Thakur
Proven track record, strong electoral performance, youthful energy, strong ties with RSS, and ability to bridge generations within the party make him the most suitable person to steer the BJP ahead.
The Race for BJP's Next President
As the dust settles post-Lok Sabha elections and the new ministers take their oaths, the political spotlight shifts to a significant decision within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): Who will succeed JP Nadda as the next BJP National President? With Nadda's extended tenure ending on 30th June and his recent induction into the Modi 3.0 Cabinet, the search for a new leader is not merely timely but essential for the saffron party's strategic direction.
Likely Contenders
The post of BJP President is a crucial one, and several names were initially being speculated upon. Dharmendra Pradhan and Shivraj Singh Chouhan, both of whom joined the Union Cabinet, are now out of the race. However, prominent figures such as Vinod Tawde, K Laxman, Sunil Bansal, and Om Mathur remain in contention. There was also significant buzz around the possibility of the party appointing its first woman President, with Smriti Irani, a former Union Minister and TV star, being a notable name despite her recent electoral defeat.
The Young and Dynamic Choice: Anurag Thakur
While the aforementioned names have been widely discussed, my pick for the new BJP President would be Anurag Thakur, who turns 50 in October. The young and dynamic former Union Minister, who convincingly secured his seat from Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh, represents a fresh and energetic leadership choice for the party.
Anurag Thakur has demonstrated remarkable leadership and administrative skills throughout his political career. As a former Union Minister, he has handled several key portfolios with distinction, showcasing his ability to manage complex issues and drive meaningful change. His tenure in various capacities has been marked by efficiency and innovation, making him a standout candidate for the role of BJP President.
Enjoying the Confidence of Senior Leadership
He enjoys the confidence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, which is crucial for the coherence and effectiveness of party leadership. Thakur gave a good account of himself as the Information and Broadcasting Minister in the previous government, including handling the media, both domestic and international, that was attempting to spread hate, fake news, and anti-national propaganda.
Willingness to Make Strong Remarks
Not hesitant to make strong or controversial remarks, Thakur has demonstrated the ability to take bold stands when necessary. This trait may be required for the BJP President, especially in challenging times. For instance, during the campaign for the 2020 Delhi Assembly elections, Thakur raised the slogan "Desh ke gaddaron ko, goli maaro saalon ko" (shoot the traitors of the country) at a rally in Rithala, Delhi. Although the Election Commission imposed a 72-hour ban on him and removed him from the BJP's star campaigner list, this incident highlighted his willingness to take a firm stance.
Controversies and Their Implications
Anurag Thakur's journey has not been without controversy. In April 2024, at a poll rally in Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, Thakur alleged that the Congress manifesto had the "hands of foreign forces" and made several other contentious claims. The Congress filed a complaint with the Election Commission over these remarks, alleging violation of the Model Code of Conduct. Moreover, his "goli maaro" slogan from the 2020 Delhi elections drew significant criticism, with Opposition MPs referencing it in the Lok Sabha and the Supreme Court seeking responses on a plea for an FIR against him.
An Ascendant Political Career
Anurag Thakur's political career within the BJP has been marked by a consistent upward trajectory. His father, Prem Kumar Dhumal, a former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, was also a 'taksali' BJP/Jana Sangh member, which provided Thakur with a strong political foundation. His winning streak in elections is noteworthy; he secured the Hamirpur Lok Sabha seat for the fifth consecutive time in the 2024 general elections, defeating his Congress rival Satpal Raizada by a margin of over 1.8 lakh votes. First elected to the 14th Lok Sabha in a 2008 by-election, he was subsequently re-elected to the 15th, 16th, and 17th Lok Sabha in 2009, 2014, and 2019 respectively.
Dedication to Party and Nation
Despite his electoral victory and having handled important portfolios like Information & Broadcasting and Youth Affairs & Sports in the previous Modi government, Anurag Thakur was not inducted into the new cabinet sworn in after the 2024 elections. Thakur, along with several prominent ministers from the previous government, including Smriti Irani and Narayan Rane, were dropped from the new cabinet. In response, Thakur expressed his commitment to continue his work as a BJP party worker, congratulating PM Modi and the new ministers and expressing confidence in their ability to work towards making India a developed nation.
Strong Ties with the RSS
Given that the RSS is likely to be more assertive in the Modi 3.0 government, Anurag Thakur's background and his family's association with the RSS will be beneficial. His father, Prem Kumar Dhumal, has been connected with the RSS and BJP since the early days, and Anurag Thakur himself has been influenced by the RSS ideology from a young age. This close relationship with the RSS will not only serve as a bridge between the RSS leadership and the BJP but also as a testament to his understanding and embodiment of the RSS ethos and philosophy.
A Proud Military Tradition: Association with the Territorial Army
Anurag Thakur's association with the Territorial Army underscores his deep commitment to serving the nation. Commissioned as a Lieutenant by then Chief of Army Staff General Dalbir S Suhag in July 2016, Thakur joined the Army after successfully clearing the SSB exam and personal interview in Chandigarh, followed by over two weeks of pre-qualification training in Bhopal. In March 2021, he became the first serving Member of Parliament to be appointed as Captain in the 124 Sikh Regiment, marking a significant milestone. Thakur, whose grandfather and great-grandfather also served in the Army, expressed pride in continuing his family's military tradition. He emphasized the honor of wearing the uniform and his readiness to serve the country whenever called upon by his regiment. The Territorial Army, as the second line of defense, comprises volunteers trained annually and can be mobilized in emergencies, reflecting Thakur's dedication to both parliamentary duties and national service.
Cricketing Connection: Engaging the Youth
Cricket is by far the most popular sport in India, and Anurag Thakur's association with the game gives him an additional advantage as the BJP President, enabling him to resonate with youth and cricket fans nationwide. Thakur's cricket administration journey began when he became the president of the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) at 25, during which the Dharamsala stadium was built. He made his Ranji Trophy debut for Himachal Pradesh in 2000 to qualify for the BCCI's junior selection committee. Rising through the BCCI ranks, he became president in 2016, opposing IPL corruption and resisting Lodha Committee reforms, although his tenure ended controversially with his removal by the Supreme Court in 2017. Despite this, his involvement in cricket has cemented his rapport with a wide and passionate segment of the Indian populace.
Personal Life
Anurag Thakur was born on October 24, 1974, in Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, to Prem Kumar Dhumal and Sheela Devi. His father, Prem Kumar Dhumal, is a former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh. Thakur completed his schooling at Dayanand Public School in Shimla and graduated from Doaba College in Jalandhar, Punjab. A cricketer who played for Himachal Pradesh and also one international match for India in 2000, Thakur served as President of the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) from 2000 to 2017. He is married to Shefali Thakur and has two sons. His special interests include the development of sports, promotion of social-cultural values, children's welfare, youth development, and the upliftment of weaker sections.
Future Prospects and Organisational Role
There are speculations that Thakur, who has previously served as the National President of the BJP youth wing, may be given an organizational responsibility within the Party. His future role could also be in the regional politics of Himachal Pradesh. This demonstrates his flexibility and dedication to serving the party in whatever capacity is needed, further solidifying his suitability for the role of BJP President.
Summing Up and Looking Forward.
The decision on the new BJP President will undoubtedly shape the party's future strategy and influence its preparations for upcoming elections. Anurag Thakur's proven track record, strong electoral performance, youthful energy, strong ties with the RSS, and ability to bridge generations within the party make him the most suitable person to steer the BJP ahead in conjunction with the Modi 3.0 government. His association with cricket further enhances his appeal, connecting him with the youth and cricket fans across India. As the BJP gears up for its next phase, Thakur's leadership could be the catalyst for continued growth and success.
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Absolutely right