Race heats up for state BJP chief as high command seeks feedback

With the BJP high command restarting the process to appoint a new Haryana unit president, probables are back in action, lobbying hard for the top post.

Front-runners

Mohan Lal Badoli: Current president; Brahmin face; backed by performance, Khattar-Saini rapport

Ajay Gaur: Former political secretary to Khattar; Brahmin leader

Sanjay Bhatia: Ex-MP, Karnal; Punjabi face close to Khattar

Manish Grover: Former minister; Punjabi leader

Aseem Goel: Former minister; Aggarwal community

Deepak Mangla: Former MLA, Palwal; Aggarwal community

Surinder Punia: State general secretary

Capt Abhimanyu: Former minister

Krishan Bedi and Sunita Duggal: Dalit leaders in consideration

Key factors

Feedback from RSS, Khattar and CM Saini crucial

Caste balance and performance to influence final choice

Unanimous name to be handpicked by party high command

According to party insiders, the Central leadership has tasked an influential general secretary to collect feedback from a wide range of state and Central leaders to arrive at a “unanimous choice” for the next party chief — likely to be announced after the Bihar elections later this month.

A senior BJP functionary told ‘The Tribune’ that feedback on at least six names was sought from different quarters, including the RSS top brass, Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. “With the CM belonging to the OBC community, caste balance and regional representation are being carefully considered,” the leader said.

Current incumbent and BJP’s Brahmin face Mohan Lal Badoli remains among the front-runners owing to his performance during his one year and four months in office, when he led the party to an “unbelievable hat-trick” in the 2024 Assembly elections. His good rapport with Khattar and Saini is also said to work in his favour.

Another Brahmin leader in contention is Ajay Gaur, former political secretary to Khattar. From the Punjabi community, Sanjay Bhatia, former Karnal MP, and Manish Grover, former minister, are also being considered — both known for their proximity to Khattar and Saini.

The Aggarwal community has two names in circulation — former minister Aseem Goel and former Palwal MLA Deepak Mangla. In addition, state general secretary Surinder Punia and former minister Capt Abhimanyu are said to be part of the discussions.

The list also includes state minister Krishan Bedi and former MP Sunita Duggal, both influential Dalit leaders.

Earlier this year, national general secretary Arun Singh had been appointed as the party’s observer for conducting the internal poll in March, with directions to complete the process in three days. However, the Indo-Pak tensions and other pressing issues led to a deferment of the exercise.

Although the electoral college comprises 27 district chiefs and 90 Vidhan Sabha chiefs, the “unanimous name” is traditionally finalised by the party’s top leadership after consulting senior state and Central leaders.

Till January 14, 2025, a second term for Badoli seemed imminent. However, allegations of gangrape levelled by a New Delhi-based woman stalled his re-nomination. With the case now reportedly fizzling out, Badoli’s name has re-emerged as a serious contender for the top post.