BJP poised for historic first as woman likely to take top post

In what could mark a watershed moment in its political history, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is likely to appoint a woman as its next national president, with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) reportedly backing the move. The development comes amid a prolonged leadership deadlock following the extended tenure of incumbent JP Nadda.

Senior party sources confirmed that Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, BJP’s former Andhra Pradesh chief D Purandeswari, and Tamil Nadu leader Vanathi Srinivasan are the top contenders for the party’s highest organizational post.

Nadda’s term officially ended in January 2023, but was extended till June 2024 to steer the party through the crucial Lok Sabha elections. With the polls now concluded, the BJP is set to usher in a new chapter — one that may be led by a woman for the first time since the party’s inception.

Sitharaman leads the race

Among the frontrunners is Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, whose recent high-level meeting with JP Nadda and BJP General Secretary BL Santhosh has fuelled strong speculation. Sitharaman, known for her command over policy and experience across ministries—including Defence—could bring both administrative strength and wider regional appeal, particularly in southern India.

Her elevation, party insiders say, would also align with the BJP’s broader commitment to women’s representation, especially in the context of the upcoming 33% reservation for women in Parliament after the next delimitation exercise.

D Purandeswari: A seasoned multilingual voice

Another prominent name is D Purandeswari, former Union Minister and BJP’s past Andhra Pradesh unit president. Known for her articulate presence and cross-party credibility, Purandeswari has held influential roles and was recently selected for the high-profile “Operation Sindoor” global delegation—highlighting her diplomatic and political standing.

Vanathi Srinivasan: The grassroots contender

Vanathi Srinivasan, a lawyer-turned-politician from Tamil Nadu, is also in the running. Representing Coimbatore South in the state assembly, she has steadily risen through the BJP ranks since 1993. Currently the National President of the BJP Mahila Morcha, Vanathi is also a member of the Central Election Committee—making her the first Tamil woman to hold that distinction.

Her elevation would signify a generational and regional outreach by the party, appealing to both youth and southern voters.

RSS nod seals the shift

Sources confirm that the RSS has endorsed the idea of a woman party chief — recognizing both the strategic value and social symbolism it carries. Women voters have played a pivotal role in BJP’s recent victories, notably in states like Maharashtra, Delhi, and Haryana.

Should the BJP follow through, this will be the first time in its history that a woman will take the reins of the party nationally—a move that could redefine not just the BJP’s internal dynamics, but also the broader landscape of Indian politics.