BJP chief Nadda's Chamba visit, buzz on his return to Himachal politics & what close aide Trilok Jamwal’s rise could mean?

Shimla/Dharamshala: When BJP national president JP Nadda, during his visit to Chamba, stated that there was “no possibility” of his return to Himachal politics, it was intended to quell the growing chatter. Yet, the very need to issue such a denial reflects how deeply the speculation had taken root — not just in Himachal, but also in the corridors of national power.

Political spark behind the speculation

Rumours of Nadda’s return to the state politics gained momentum soon after he resigned from the Rajya Sabha seat from Himachal in March 2024, opting for a Gujarat nomination instead.
While officially positioned as a strategic move, it raised questions about his future within the party and whether he was preparing for a more grounded electoral role closer to home.

The speculation intensified with the BJP high command initiating restructuring across states post the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Himachal Pradesh, where the BJP is in opposition, became a focal point — and Nadda’s apparent interest in key state-level decisions only deepened the curiosity.
From reorganising local committees to indirectly shaping the debate over the next state president, his involvement hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Jai Ram Thakur remains absent during Nadda’s tour

A notable absence during Nadda’s Chamba visit was former CM Jai Ram Thakur. In contrast, Rajeev Bindal and Vipin Parmar were present — both are seen by his side, signalling a possible recalibration of power within the state BJP.

Amid the discussion on who will take over as the state president, party rules dictate that the individual should not be contesting the upcoming Assembly elections.

Names like Rajiv Bhardwaj, former minister Bikram Thakur, and MLA Trilok Jamwal are doing the rounds. Political watchers believe that if Jamwal — a close Nadda associate — is appointed, it could be a subtle hint of Nadda’s continued influence in state politics.

Why this could echo beyond Himachal ?

Nadda isn’t just a Himachali leader, but he represents the core of BJP’s national organisational strength. A potential shift in his role — even if currently denied — could influence larger succession debates within the Modi-era BJP. It may also mark the start of a more assertive regional leadership model, with national leaders returning to galvanise local units.

For now, Nadda has dismissed the idea. But in the world of Indian politics, where timing and optics shape reality, today’s denial often sets the stage for tomorrow’s announcement.

S Gopal Puri