Munish Sood
MANDI: In a historic development for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Himachal Pradesh, Payal Behl Vaidya has been appointed as the party’s first-ever woman general secretary in the state.
Her rise is not only a personal milestone but also a landmark in the BJP’s organisational history, symbolising the growing recognition of women leaders in Indian politics.
Payal’s political journey began within the organisational framework of the BJP, a foundation that continues to define her career. She became a primary member of the BJP in 1998. In 2010, she contested the Mandi Municipal Committee elections on the BJP’s symbol, which was the first such election held under then Chief Minister Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal.
This marked her formal entry into active politics. Her steady climb through the party ranks reflects both dedication and organisational skills. In 2012, she was appointed mandal secretary. In 2013, she was elevated directly to the state level as BJP state secretary. She went on to serve as State Secretary for three consecutive terms. Later, she was entrusted with greater responsibilities as the state vice-president, a position she held twice.
Her consistent performance and ability to build consensus cemented her reputation as one of the most trusted leaders within the Himachal BJP.
Role in election management
Since 2013, Payal has been an active architect of BJP’s election campaigns in the state.
She served as Election In-charge in multiple campaigns, ensuring both grassroots mobilisation and strategic direction. In the 2022 Assembly elections, under the leadership of Rajeev Bhardwaj, she played a crucial role in shaping and executing campaign strategies.
Behind the scenes, she has earned recognition as an astute political election manager, with the BJP’s central and state leadership repeatedly acknowledging her contributions.
Social engagement and public service
Beyond organisational roles, Payal has held key social responsibilities. During the BJP government, she served as the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Himachal Pradesh State Council for Child Welfare, a role regarded as equivalent to chairperson in previous governments.
In this capacity, she spearheaded initiatives for child welfare and women empowerment, leaving behind a legacy of impactful work in the social sector.
District leadership: A milestone
One of the defining chapters of her journey was her appointment as district in-charge of Bilaspur, the home district of BJP national president Jagat Prakash Nadda. She held this role twice, which she considers a landmark in her career.
In addition, she was also the district in-charge of Solan twice, where she worked diligently to expand and strengthen the BJP’s organizational presence.
It is not just the party’s top brass that acknowledges Payal Behl Vaidya’s leadership. Her popularity extends well beyond the organisational hierarchy. She is deeply connected with grassroots party workers, enjoys wide acceptance across the cadre, and is admired for her accessibility and inclusive style of functioning. Her ability to listen, engage, and inspire rank-and-file workers has been a significant factor in her growing influence.
This rare balance—earning the confidence of the high command while remaining rooted among ordinary party workers—has made her a bridge between leadership and cadre, a quality highly valued in the BJP’s organisational culture.
Historic appointment as general secretary
On August 20, 2025, Himachal BJP President Dr Rajeev Bindal announced the new state executive team. In this announcement, Payal Behl Vaidya was named among the three general secretaries of Himachal Pradesh BJP, making her the first woman in the party’s state history to hold this prestigious position.
From her early years as a grassroots worker in 1998 to her historic elevation as the first woman general secretary of BJP Himachal Pradesh in 2025, Payal Behl Vaidya’s journey exemplifies perseverance, dedication and organisational loyalty.
