Anurag Thakur gets key role in BJP’s Himachal membership drive: Is he in running for next CM?
SHIMLA: Hamirpur MP Anurag Thakur has been appointed as the in-charge of BJP’s new membership drive in Himachal Pradesh, signalling his prominence in politics after being left out of the Narendra Modi 3.0 cabinet recently.
The development has sparked speculation that the BJP might be positioning Anurag as a potential candidate for the chief minister’s post in the next Himachal Pradesh elections, alongside former CM Jai Ram Thakur.
Anurag, who previously held key ministerial positions in the central government, was notably left out of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet during its reinduction after the recent Lok Sabha elections. Despite this apparent setback, the BJP’s decision to assign him such a crucial role in the party’s membership campaign hints at his possible re-emergence in state politics.
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Strengthening his position
The timing of Anurag Thakur’s appointment has led political observers to believe that the BJP is grooming him for a larger role in Himachal’s political future, particularly with the 2027 state Assembly elections in mind. The new membership drive aims to recruit 16 lakh new members across the state, a significant task that places Anurag in a visible leadership position.
As the son of two-time former Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, Anurag already has deep roots in Himachal’s politics. His popularity in his home constituency of Hamirpur and his national recognition as a former union minister make him a formidable candidate for the chief ministerial race. The question now is whether the BJP will lean towards him as a fresh face for the state leadership, especially after Jai Ram Thakur’s defeat in the 2022 elections.
Political strategy for next elections
By putting Anurag Thakur in charge of the membership drive, the BJP is sending a clear message that it is aiming to rebuild its base in the state. Himachal Pradesh has always seen a close contest between BJP and Congress, and the saffron party might be exploring new strategies by projecting multiple potential leaders.
Anurag’s active involvement in state issues, such as criticising the Congress-led state government for delayed salary and pension payments, also suggests that he is preparing to take on a larger role.
His comments during the launch of the membership campaign, where he called out the state government for financial mismanagement, resonate with the BJP’s broader narrative of holding the current administration accountable.
Through Anurag, the BJP may also be looking to counter the political impact of current Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who too belongs to Hamirpur, the home district of Anurag.
