BJP likely to appoint new national president by mid-March, women leaders among frontrunners
New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is expected to announce its new national president by mid-March, likely on the 15th or 16th, after the completion of organisational elections in 13 states. Party sources indicate that the selection process for JP Nadda’s successor is being guided by internal consensus.
A senior BJP functionary hinted that the party is considering appointing a woman to the position, preferably from South India, to strengthen its presence in the region. Andhra Pradesh BJP chief Daggubati Purandeshwari and BJP Mahila Morcha national president Vanathi Srinivasan are emerging as key contenders if the party decides to choose a woman leader.
Purandeshwari, 66, who joined the BJP in 2014 after leaving the Congress, is seen as an experienced organisational leader. She currently heads the Andhra Pradesh BJP and is known for her strong oratory skills, earning her the title of ‘Sushma Swaraj of the South.’
Vanathi Srinivasan, an MLA from Coimbatore and the national president of BJP Mahila Morcha, has led multiple outreach initiatives and is regarded as a trusted leader within the party. She recently hosted Union Home Minister Amit Shah at events in Tamil Nadu.
The BJP is also considering other factors, including regional representation, caste dynamics, and upcoming elections in states such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and Gujarat. The party’s ideological mentor, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), is reportedly involved in the selection process, though the final decision will be made through consensus.
A senior party leader suggested that the new president is likely to be between 50 and 70 years old, which could rule out Haryana’s former chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar, who is 71. Among other potential candidates are Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan (55), BJP general secretary Bhupender Yadav (55), and senior leader Vinod Tawde (61), should the party opt for a male candidate.
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11-year-old dies by suicide after sexual assault in Bareilly; accused arrested
Bareilly (UP) (PTI): A 26-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl, who later died by suicide due to trauma, police said on Wednesday.
The post-mortem report confirmed sexual assault and multiple injuries on the minor's body, including bite marks and nail scratches. The cause of death was found to be hanging, they said.
According to ASP (South) Anshika Verma, the incident came to light on 27 April, when the girl, a Class 8 student, was found hanging at her home in Deoria Abdullaganj village under the Mirganj police station area. Initially, the family reported the death as suicide and was reluctant to pursue police action.
"The autopsy report changed the course of the investigation. It confirmed sexual assault and noted severe physical trauma. The cause of death was confirmed as hanging," Verma said.
A breakthrough in the case came from the statement of the victim's younger sister, who told police that the accused, Zeeshan (26), a resident of the same village, frequently loitered near the minor's school and allegedly gave her small sums of money to keep his interactions with her a secret, she said.
Police said that on the day of the incident, the accused allegedly lured the minor and assaulted her. Distressed by the incident, the child later took her own life while her mother was away, police said.
"Based on technical surveillance, CCTV footage, and statements from the family, we established Zeeshan's involvement. He was arrested near the Mirganj weekly market on Tuesday," they said.
(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the state’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416.)
