BJP national president and Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda on Monday (January 27, 2024) visited Naina Devi temple in his home district Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh for a special puja amid growing anticipation over the appointment of a new state party president.
With multiple contenders lobbying for the top post, Nadda’s visit is being closely watched as his influence could play a crucial role in the decision-making process.
Nadda, accompanied by his family, offered prayers at the revered Naina Devi temple and performed rituals at the ancient ‘havan kund’, seeking prosperity and well-being for his family. He later proceeded to his ancestral deity’s shrine at Dabhat temple.
Attends grandson’s ‘mundan’ ceremony
The BJP chief had arrived in Bilaspur on Sunday evening for his grandson’s ‘mundan’ (head-shaving) ceremony where he was warmly welcomed by party leaders.
Following the temple visit, Nadda interacted with local residents at the Bassi Rest House, addressing their grievances. He is scheduled to leave for Chandigarh at 6 pm from where he will fly to Delhi.
Nadda’s visit holds significance as the Himachal BJP is set to get a new state president soon. Currently, around eight to nine aspirants are actively lobbying for the position, but the final call rests with the party high command.
However, Nadda’s stance is expected to be influential, given his national stature. Various contenders are striving to build rapport with him to strengthen their chances.
Several top leaders reach Bilaspur to meet Nadda
Incumbent state BJP president Dr Rajeev Bindal, who has been in touch with Nadda over the past few days in Delhi, arrived in Bilaspur last evening to welcome him.
Other potential candidates have also visited Delhi to meet Nadda and were present in Bilaspur today.
Among the frontrunners for the post are Kangra MP Dr Rajeev Bhardwaj, Rajya Sabha MP Dr Sikander Kumar, former state presidents Satpal Satti and Bindal, senior leaders Vipin Singh Parmar, Indu Goswami, Bikram Thakur, Randhir Sharma and Trilok Jamwal.
Buzz on Anurag Thakur joining race to be Himachal BJP chief
Adding to the political intrigue, speculation is rife that Hamirpur MP and former Union Minister Anurag Thakur too could be handed the reins of the Himachal BJP.
Despite missing out on a cabinet berth at the Centre this time, his aggressive stance against the opposition in Parliament and his leadership in the Delhi Assembly election campaign have boosted his prospects.
Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur has also been active, having recently met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the party’s future in the state, reportedly lobbying for his preferred choice for the state leadership.
