BJP starts process to pick next Haryana chief

The BJP high command has initiated the process to elect its Haryana chief with the appointment of party general secretary Arun Singh as superviser for the organisation polls.

Sources said Arun Singh would soon come out with the election schedule inviting prospective candidates to file their nomination. The whole electoral process, including filing of nominations, scrutiny and withdrawal of candidature will last three days.The 27 district presidents and 90 vidhan sabha chiefs would form the electoral college for the elections.

Badoli to continue?

With the Himachal Police filing a cancellation report against state BJP chief Mohan Lal Badoli in the gangrape case, his chances of re-nomination have brightened. Former MP Sanjay Bhatia, former minister Manish Grover and Ajay Gaur are also in the race for the top post.

Besides, the party currently has three state general secretaries — Krishan Bedi, Archana Gupta and Surinder Punia. Badoli was also a general secretary before his elevation as the party chief in July last year.

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However, sources said though a proper electoral procedure is followed, yet the BJP chief would be elected unanimously and the party high command’s choice usually got the top post.

Sources said with the Himachal Police filing a cancellation report in gang rape case against current BJP chief Mohan Lal Badoli, his chances of re-nomination have become bright. On January 14, Badoli, along with singer Rocky MIttal, was booked by the Himachal Police after a New Delhi-based women leveled allegations of gang rape against them.

Badoli, the Brahmin face of the saffron party, and the OBC face and CM Nayab Singh Saini were credited with BJP’s hat-trick in Haryana — a first in the state’s electoral history— after the 2024 Assembly polls. The BJP also won municipal elections earlier this month under the Saini-Badoli duo. Badoli took over as BJP chief from Saini in July last year.

Several other names, including that of ex-MP Sanjay Bhatia, former minister Manish Grover and Ajay Gaur, could also be in contention for the top post. Besides, party currently has three state general secretaries — Krishan Bedi, Archana Gupta and Surinder Punia. Badoli was also a general secretary before his elevation as the party chief in July last year.