Will Vasundhara Raje Emerge as BJP National President? What Are Hurdles in Her Path? Who Are Other Contenders

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is known for its unexpected decisions, often catching the opposition off guard with strategic masterstrokes. Whether it’s choosing a Chief Minister or assigning key responsibilities within the party, the BJP leadership has a history of making bold moves. 

Once again, the party seems to be preparing for a major decision, with speculations arising about a significant leadership change. According to sources, the former Chief Minister of Rajasthan and current National Vice President, Vasundhara Raje, may be poised to take over as the National President of the BJP. If reports are to be believed, this announcement could be made soon.

Sanjay Joshi and Shivraj also in the race 

Along with Vasundhara Raje, other names have been suggested for the prestigious role. Notably, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological parent of the BJP, has reportedly put forward the name of Sanjay Joshi, a senior BJP leader. 

However, sources also suggest that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah are backing Shivraj Singh Chouhan, creating a potential three-way contest for the position. Despite these competing names, the RSS seems to favor Raje for the role. This fact has reflected in the wave of early congratulations she has already received on social media.

Why Vasundhara Raje is Leading the Race

Vasundhara Raje’s position as a front-runner for the BJP's National President is not without reason. She has long-standing ties with the RSS, a significant advantage in BJP politics. The RSS reportedly views her as a strong and capable candidate for the position. 

On the other hand, the other contender, Sanjay Joshi, does not have the same backing from the party’s top leadership. His strained relationship with PM Modi is well-documented, going back to 2012 when Modi refrained from campaigning in Uttar Pradesh simply because Joshi was the election coordinator. Given this history, Raje’s close association with the RSS gives her an edge.

Challenges in Raje’s Path

Despite the RSS’s endorsement, Vasundhara Raje faces a significant obstacle—her reportedly tense relationship with both PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. This strained dynamic could derail her chances of becoming the National President. Raje has clashed with the BJP’s top leadership on multiple occasions. In the 2023 Rajasthan Assembly elections, even though she was the top contender for the Chief Minister’s post after the party's victory, the BJP leadership chose Bhajanlal Sharma, a first-time MLA, over her. This decision was widely seen as a snub.

Further back in 2018, Raje had a disagreement with Amit Shah over the appointment of Gajendra Singh Shekhawat as the BJP’s Rajasthan head. Raje opposed Shah’s choice and successfully prevented Shekhawat’s appointment, highlighting her independent stance within the party. These instances illustrate the ongoing friction between her and the top BJP leadership, which could complicate her ascension to the role of National President.

Subtle Hints from Raje’s Recent Statements

At a recent event in Jaipur, where Madan Rathore took over as the BJP Rajasthan state president, Vasundhara Raje delivered a speech that many see as indicative of her political mindset and aspirations. Speaking to party workers and leaders, Raje emphasized the transient nature of political positions, power, and pride. She stressed that while positions and pride may come and go, stature is permanent, and those who do good work will be remembered for their stature. Although these comments were ostensibly directed at Rathore, many interpreted them as a reflection of Raje’s own political philosophy and her awareness of the challenges she faces within the party.

While Vasundhara Raje remains a strong contender for the BJP’s National President role, her journey to the top is far from guaranteed. The RSS’s backing provides her with significant momentum, but her rocky relationships with PM Modi and Amit Shah pose a considerable hurdle. As the BJP prepares to make its decision, the political landscape within the party remains uncertain. Will Raje’s stature and experience win the day, or will internal rivalries shape the outcome? Only time will tell, but the outcome of this leadership contest could have far-reaching implications for the party’s future direction.