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BJP Set to Announce New National President Soon? Four Senior Leaders in the Race

New Delhi, Sept 13, 2025: After months of speculation and internal deliberations, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) appears closer than ever to announcing its next national president. The delay in the appointment was widely attributed to strained ties between the party’s top leadership and its ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). However, with both sides working to normalize relations in recent months, political observers believe the party could declare its new chief at any moment.

Long-Standing Rift Between BJP and RSS

The friction between the BJP and the RSS dates back to the period before the 2014 general elections. At that time, a senior BJP leader had made a public statement questioning the party’s dependence on the RSS, which reportedly left the Sangh leadership displeased. Although the BJP campaigned with the slogan “Abki Baar, 400 Paar,” the party managed only 240 seats in the Lok Sabha. Analysts say the lukewarm support of RSS workers contributed to the outcome.

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Later, former BJP president J.P. Nadda stirred controversy when he declared publicly that the BJP “no longer needed the RSS.” That remark further widened the rift, forcing both organizations to tread carefully in subsequent years.

Efforts to Restore Relations

The relationship seems to have entered a phase of cautious repair. On August 15, while addressing the nation from the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the RSS, calling it the “world’s largest NGO.” Soon after, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, speaking at an event in New Delhi’s Vigyan Bhawan, remarked that “there is no retirement age in politics or social service,” a statement interpreted as a subtle departure from the earlier position that individuals should voluntarily retire at the age of 75.

This is particularly significant as Prime Minister Modi himself turns 75 this year. Analysts note that Bhagwat’s softened stance may have been aimed at signaling unity rather than division.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also joined in this reconciliatory tone. On multiple occasions, he has openly praised the RSS, proudly acknowledging his background as a swayamsevak. “Being an RSS volunteer is not a liability—it is an honor,” Shah recently stated, adding that an RSS worker’s mission continues “until India becomes great again.”

The Search for a New National President

As ties between the BJP and RSS stabilize, discussions over the party’s next national president have gained momentum. According to party insiders, at least four prominent names have emerged in the race:

Shivraj Singh Chouhan: Currently a Union minister and former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Chouhan is seen as a strong contender due to his organizational experience and balanced image.
Nitin Gadkari: The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Gadkari enjoys good relations with the RSS and is known for his administrative skills and non-confrontational style.
Manohar Lal Khattar: The former Chief Minister of Haryana and now a Union minister, Khattar has a long-standing RSS background, making him a favorable candidate in the eyes of the Sangh.
Dharmendra Pradhan: Another Union minister, Pradhan’s organizational skills and relatively younger profile position him as a potential surprise pick.

BJP has often shocked political observers with unexpected choices, so while these names dominate discussions, the final decision could still surprise many.

The Age Factor

The question of leadership also ties into the larger debate about the age ceiling within the BJP. Traditionally, the party has maintained that leaders should step aside at the age of 75. However, with Modi crossing that threshold this year, the issue has taken on new political weight. Bhagwat’s statement about “no retirement in politics” has been interpreted as indirect support for Modi’s continued leadership.