The BJP leadership is focusing on strengthening its presence in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and has almost finalized the appointment of new state presidents.
The national leadership has completed discussions with leaders from both states and given indications about the new appointments, with only an official announcement pending.
In Telangana, the BJP national leadership is learnt to have decided on Malkajgiri MP Eatala Rajender as the new state president as the party intends to appoint someone from the Backward Classes (BC) communities. Currently, Union Minister Kishan Reddy serves as the president.
However, two other leaders are making last-minute efforts, and unless there’s a change, Eatala’s appointment appears certain.
In Andhra Pradesh, however, the BJP is said to be looking for a strong and popular leader who can not only strengthen the party in the coming years, but also lead the party to face the next elections with more bargaining power.
With the alliance with TDP and Jana Sena in place, the leadership is keen to appoint someone capable of coordinating with allies.
At present, Rajahmundry MP Daggubati Purandeswari is heading the party. Though she maintains good relations with the TDP and Jana Sena, she may not be efficient to make the party independent and strong.
Some of the names that are being heard in the party circles for the state BJP post are: former Union Minister Sujana Chowdary, MLA Dr Parthasarathi, former MLC K V S Madhav and former chief minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy.
Sources indicate that Karnataka and Telangana leaders have recommended Vishnuvardhan Reddy. BJP state co-in-charge Shiv Prakash has already held discussions and sought opinions on the new president.
If the party cannot find a good leader, the BJP leadership might consider continuing Purandeswari’s tenure for some time.
An official decision on the appointment of a new president is expected next week.
