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BJP workers believe state presidents should be dedicated karyakartas, not those who came to the party from other parties. This sentiment grows as the party expands and prepares for 2024 elections.
With their focus on making a long-term impact, many BJP leaders believe that prioritising internal workers for key positions is crucial for the party’s expansion and growth. (Image: PTI)
There is a growing sentiment among BJP workers on the ground that as multiple states prepare to announce the name of the next state president, the priority should be to appoint someone from within their ranks, a dedicated karyakarta.
Ahead of the 2024 elections and various state assembly elections, numerous leaders from other parties have joined the BJP, bolstering its strength. However, this influx has left the original party workers feeling somewhat disappointed.
“When we go on ground, the growing voice amongst our workers is that key responsibilities like becoming a state president should be given to a party worker who has been on ground and has been associated with the organisation and ideology from the very beginning, and not those who jump ship before elections,” a senior party office bearer told CNN-News18.
The leader elaborated that the BJP is a party where an ordinary worker, like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, could ascend to the highest office in the government, even without an influential background or dynastic backing.
In certain situations, exceptions are made due to specific caste combinations or regions where the saffron party lacks a strong base. For example, in the Northeast, many party leaders and office bearers have come from other parties because the BJP did not have a significant presence there. “For example, Himanta Biswa Sarma and Sarbananda Sonowal came from other parties, but before they were given key organisational and state responsibilities, they had been through the grind and had taken up multiple other responsibilities to prove their mettle,” the source added.
The BJP is gradually expanding its footprint in multiple states where it previously had little to no presence. One significant sign of encouragement has been the party’s performance in recent assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Andhra Pradesh. In 2019, the BJP’s polling percentage was less than NOTA and stood at less than 1 per cent, but this time, the party managed to win a handful of seats.
With their focus on making a long-term impact, many BJP leaders believe that prioritising internal workers for key positions is crucial for the party’s expansion and growth. It also ensures that their original workforce remains motivated and dedicated.
The RSS, which plays an important role in selecting the BJP’s national president, also influences state-level appointments. The RSS consistently emphasises the commitment to Hindutva and prioritising the nation. Therefore, multiple leaders within the saffron party, including those overseeing elections, are ensuring that certain criteria are non-negotiable. As the BJP announces state presidents in the coming weeks, those who meet these criteria will likely be chosen.
