Political calculations at play as T BJP seeks new state chief

Hyderabad: Speculation surrounding the appointment of a new president for the Telangana BJP is intensifying, with ongoing discussions about potential candidates and the political dynamics at play. The outcome of these decisions may also influence the prospect of a possible ministerial berth in the central cabinet, further shaping the state's political landscape.
One significant factor in the conversation is the exclusion of Union coal minister G Kishan Reddy from the list of contenders for the party president role, which has led to a narrowed field of potential candidates. Three prominent figures now dominate the conversation: Bandi Sanjay, Eatala Rajender, and D Arvind.
Eatala, who has recently been appointed to a crucial role in a parliamentary committee, is set to hold the position for a period of five years. This new appointment adds an interesting layer to the ongoing speculation. Should the BJP central leadership decide to elevate Eatala to a ministerial position in the Union cabinet, it would be a game changer, sources say. This, in turn, could open up the possibility of one of the other two candidates—Sanjay or Arvind—being appointed as the new state party chief.
Sanjay, currently serving as a Union minister of state for home, and Arvind, an MP actively engaged in party affairs, are both key players in the evolving scenario. If the party decides to elevate Eatala or Arvind to the central cabinet, it may leave Sanjay with a decision to either relinquish his ministerial role in favour of the party leadership or stay in his current position.
If Sanjay takes on the state president role, it would likely mean that cabinet posts for Telangana would continue with two ministers, with one of the other MPs (Eatala or Arvind) potentially taking up the vacant ministerial post.
Strategic delays
Despite the ongoing speculation, party insiders reveal that the leadership is yet to formally solicit opinions from its leaders regarding the presidential race. This delay follows the appointment of Union minister Shobha Karandlaje as the observer for the election process. Though the election process for the state president was expected to commence after the appointment of district presidents, sources indicate that the timeline has shifted, and Karandlaje has been asked to delay her visit to the state until further notice.
In the midst of these developments, the Association of Billion Minds has conducted a survey to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the leading candidates, including those who are not MPs. A team, working under the supervision of Union home minister Amit Shah, has compiled a comprehensive analysis of each candidate's potential. "Once the top leadership reviews this compiled list, a final decision will be made," sources said.
Critical Choice
As the selection process moves forward, the party's internal discussions are reflecting a broader strategy—there is a growing sentiment within the BJP that the next state president must be someone capable of effectively countering both the Congress and the BRS in Telangana. This decision could have far-reaching implications, not just for the party's fortunes in the state but also for its national strategy.