Nadda Dismisses State Role Talk, But Who Will Lead BJP in Himachal?

Kangra: Amid swirling speculations of a possible leadership rejig in the Himachal Pradesh unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), National President JP Nadda has firmly ruled out any return to state politics.

During his recent visit to Chamba, Nadda stated, “I hold a responsible position at the national level, and there is no possibility of my return to the state.” This statement, made at a time of active organisational restructuring across the party, is being seen as a message of continuity at the national level rather than regional reintegration.

Nadda’s decision to vacate his Rajya Sabha seat from Himachal and shift to Gujarat has only strengthened theories that his focus remains aligned with central leadership responsibilities. However, his denial does little to quiet the chatter about who might rise to the helm in Himachal’s BJP, especially as former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur was notably absent from Nadda’s public engagements during the visit.

The presence of senior leaders like former Speaker Vipin Parmar and former state BJP President Rajeev Bindal by Nadda’s side has set off speculation about their potential elevation in the party hierarchy. At the same time, the political future of Anurag Thakur—once a powerful Union Minister and a popular face in Himachal—remains a topic of active discussion. Many within the party see Anurag as a capable mass leader, especially if the party seeks to rejuvenate its appeal among the youth and middle-class voters.

Additionally, there have been murmurs about former minister Bikram Thakur being considered for a strategic role in the party’s state unit. His grassroots connection and low-profile yet consistent political presence have kept him in the conversation as a unifying candidate acceptable across factions.

At the national level, the BJP’s leadership strategy has leaned increasingly towards centralisation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, often placing regional ambitions in a secondary bracket. Yet, with Himachal going through a politically volatile phase under the Congress government, clarity and assertiveness in state-level leadership will be key for BJP’s resurgence.

For now, Nadda’s statement puts to rest immediate speculation about his return—but with Jairam’s silence, Anurag’s growing traction, and Bikram’s quiet momentum, the question still looms large: Who will lead BJP in Himachal?

Munish Sood