BJP’s leadership battle heats up early

Even with nearly two years to go for the 2027 Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections, the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seems to be grappling with a simmering leadership tussle. Beneath the surface of public unity, there are clear signs of internal jockeying for power, a contest that could intensify as the state inches closer to the polls.

While former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur remains the party’s most visible and credible face, murmurs within the ranks suggest that he may not be the only contender for the top post. Names of senior figures such as Union Health Minister JP Nadda, Hamirpur MP Anurag Thakur and Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut are increasingly doing the rounds as potential claimants to the chief ministerial chair.

Even BJP legislators concede that the party is witnessing growing factionalism, which, they fear, could deepen as ambitions collide. For now, the leadership question remains open-ended and politically explosive.

Nadda, currently Union Minister and the BJP’s national president, commands immense influence in both Delhi and Himachal. Party insiders say that should the BJP win in 2027, he would not be averse to returning to his home state as Chief Minister, lending the party both experience and stature.

Meanwhile, Anurag Thakur’s frequent visits to Himachal for official and political events have fuelled speculation about his own aspirations. Though the Hamirpur MP has traditionally maintained a strong presence in his constituency, covering Hamirpur, Una and Bilaspur, his recent outreach carries unmistakable political undertones.

Adding to the intrigue is Kangana Ranaut, the actor-turned-politician from Mandi, whose frequent appearances in her constituency have drawn attention. Despite earlier criticism for her absence during the recent monsoon disaster, her renewed visibility is being read as an effort to cement her political foothold. Asked about her ambitions, Kangana merely said she has always fulfilled whatever responsibility the party has entrusted to her, a statement that left much to interpretation.

The state BJP’s roster also includes other key figures such as state president Rajeev Bindal, former state president Satpal Singh Satti and Rajya Sabha MP Indu Goswami, each commanding their own factional loyalties.

The recent induction of six Congress legislators into the BJP has further disturbed the internal balance. Only two — Sudhir Sharma (Dharamshala) and Inder Dutt Lakhanpal (Barsar) — managed to win the subsequent bypolls, while four others failed to secure victory. Their entry has, however, created new rivalries over future ticket distribution, heightening the risk of rebellion.

Despite its confidence of returning to power in 2027, the BJP faces a tough internal test, one that could define not just its electoral strategy but also the very face of its leadership in Himachal Pradesh.