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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Three more arrested in connection with murder of Suhas Shetty in Mangaluru
Mangaluru (Karnataka), May 14 (PTI): The Mangaluru City Crime Branch has arrested three men in connection with the murder of Hindutva activist Suhas Shetty, officials said on Wednesday.
The accused, identified as Azaruddin alias Azar alias Ajju (29), Abdul Khader alias Noufal (24) and Vamanjoor Noushad alias Chotte Noushad (39), were arrested during the last two days, they said.
With the fresh arrests, a total of 11 people have been arrested in connection with the murder so far, police said.
According to a police statement, Azaruddin had previously been booked in three theft cases registered at Panambur, Suratkal, and Mulki police stations. He allegedly provided information about Shetty's movements to the other accused, aiding in the murder.
Khader is said to have assisted the accused during their escape in a car after the murder was committed.
Noushad is accused of having conspired with the others and directly participated in the crime. He has six previous criminal cases, including murder, attempted murder, and robbery conspiracy, registered at various police stations in Dakshina Kannada, police said.
Azaruddin has been remanded in judicial custody, while Khader and Noushad have been taken into police custody for seven days for further investigation.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and efforts are underway to trace other accused involved in the case.
Shetty, a known rowdy sheeter and Hindutva activist, was murdered by a group on May 1 within the Bajpe police station limits in Mangaluru City.
