Sanjay Sharma
As the state president of the Himachal Pradesh BJP, Dr Rajeev Bindal has once again proved that he enjoys the trust of the national leadership, an endorsement highlighting his proven organisational acumen and credibility. His re-election for second consecutive term is a powerful testament to his effectiveness and the confidence that the party places in him. He has succeeded in convincing the top leadership that he can do the job of taking the party back to power in the 2027 Assembly elections.
During his current tenure as the state president of the main opposition party in Himachal Pradesh, Dr Bindal’s greatest achievement has been preventing organisational complacency. His most powerful tool lies in keeping the cadre deeply engaged — by maintaining consistent outreach to leaders and workers across every corner of the state and by reigniting their energy with both personal warmth and strategic direction.
Dr Bindal’s leadership style stands out because he moves forward with grace, welcoming criticism and emerging stronger from it. His capacity to withstand internal rivalries and return with renewed authority underscores his distinctive character and resilience.
Keeping the organisation vocal from the streets to the Assembly, on the government’s failures, while simultaneously sustaining momentum for social responsibility, whether it’s responding to disasters or addressing other societal challenges, he has done it all. Maintaining a focused balance between advocacy and coordination ensures that BJP does not shirk any part of its responsibilities.
‘Bindal hai to sab mumkin hai’
Keeping the organisation united and free from factional politics, instilling belief among members that “Bindal is for everyone” and making himself easily accessible even to the most ordinary worker are the hallmarks of his simplicity, which make him invaluable to party leadership and reinforces confidence that “if Bindal is there, it can be done”.
While the Congress government rose to power through “false promises”, Dr Bindal has been putting the ruling party on back foot since day one over its unfulfilled poll agenda. His leadership in making the BJP’s “Halla Bol” campaign a mass movement and public voice, while coordinating effectively with Leader of Opposition Jai Tam Thakur and party MLAs, is one of his standout accomplishments. He ensures that the BJP raises all issues and represents all classes, be it women of the state, youth, farmers or orchardists.
In today’s digital age, a vigilant social media sphere monitors every action, offering unsolicited commentary regardless of its accuracy or intent. Navigating this landscape while striving to perform one’s duties is undeniably challenging. It’s also important to acknowledge that Dr Bindal is not the first to serve as the state BJP president. Since the party’s inception, each leader has brought their unique strengths and contributed their best efforts to fortify the organisation.
Other BJP leaders too contributed their bit
Notably, Shanta Kumar, after the party’s formation, worked diligently to bring the BJP within the threshold of power. Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal instilled faith in the workers, emphasising that with their collective effort, the party could attain power repeatedly — a belief he substantiated through his actions. Similarly, as state president, both Jai Ram Thakur and Satpal Satti did not lag behind in giving their best to strengthen the organisation. Each of these leaders has played a pivotal role in shaping the party’s journey and reinforcing its foundation in the state.
RSS roots to Himachal minister to Assembly Speaker
With a background in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Dr Bindal was actively involved as a pracharak in the programmes of Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram. He has also proven his administrative capabilities, whether during his tenure as the president of the Solan Municipal Council from 1995 to 2000 or in other roles.
In 2000, he contested and won the byelection from the Solan Assembly constituency for the first time. While political analysts initially doubted his chances of becoming an MLA again, he proved all predictions wrong by establishing himself firmly and winning successive elections in Solan.
When the Solan constituency was reserved after delimitation in 2012, Dr Bindal shifted to Nahan, where he also established a strong presence and won the Assembly seat. He left a lasting impact with his administrative efficiency as the Health Minister in Prem Kumar Dhumal’s government from 2007 to 2012, and later demonstrated his leadership skills as the Speaker of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly in 2017. These are some of the reasons that have been effective in making Dr Bindal special.
Challenges ahead of 2027 Assembly election
Dr Rajeev now faces the critical task of laying a strong foundation to enable the party to perform exceptionally well in the upcoming challenges: securing victory in the 2027 Assembly elections and the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. To overcome these challenges, his primary responsibility will be to strengthen himself, party workers and the organisation. Only time will reveal how effectively he can live up to his own statement: “A worker for every work and work for every worker”.
Sanjay Sharma
(The writer is BJP spokesperson; views are personal)
