Hemant Khandelwal has been appointed as the new Madhya Pradesh BJP state president. He faces several major challenges, including Mission 2028, maintaining discipline, political balance, and responding to the opposition's strategy.
MP: The Bharatiya Janata Party has appointed Hemant Khandelwal, MLA from Betul, as the new state president of Madhya Pradesh. This appointment comes at a time when the party is in power in the state and strategic preparations for future elections have begun. The biggest challenge for Hemant Khandelwal is Mission 2028, i.e., laying a b foundation for the next assembly elections. Additionally, controlling the increasing indiscipline within the party and keeping the workers and leaders united will also be major priorities during his tenure.
A Surprising Name in Line with BJP Tradition
The BJP in Madhya Pradesh has always announced surprising names at the last moment. Continuing the same tradition, the party has handed over the state's command to MLA Hemant Khandelwal this time as well. Khandelwal has been given this opportunity at a time when the party is in power in the state, but this does not mean that his path will be easy.
The Challenge of Discipline and Unity
Khandelwal has been given this responsibility at a time when issues related to discipline are coming to the fore in the party. Controversial statements from senior leaders can affect the party's image. In such a situation, Khandelwal will have to strike a balance between old and new leaders, keeping everyone committed to the party's goals.
Support from RSS and the Chief Minister
Hemant Khandelwal has the support of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav. On the one hand, this can give him the freedom to work, but on the other hand, the expectations of both these institutions will also be high. If he lives up to these expectations during his tenure, it can be an opportunity to enhance his political stature.
The Real Test Begins with Political Appointments
Khandelwal's real test will begin when the process of political appointments in corporations, boards, and committees like Deendayal Antyodaya Samiti begins. These decisions will now be taken in coordination between the new state president and the Chief Minister. Appointments made during the time of former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan have been dissolved, and new appointments have to be made. In this process, everyone's eyes will be on Khandelwal's working style and decision-making ability.
Balancing the Government and the Organization is a Major Challenge
Maintaining a balance between the government and the organization will not be easy for Khandelwal. The Chief Minister is with him, but ministers and MLAs have their own expectations. As the head of the organization, it will be his responsibility to ensure that the workers are not disappointed with the government and that the party's base does not weaken.
Harmony Between Old and New Faces in the Party
Before the 2023 assembly and 2024 Lok Sabha elections, many leaders from the Congress joined the BJP. Some of them have blended into the party, but many still feel isolated. The old BJP members have still not fully accepted these new faces. Khandelwal will have to balance the expectations of both these groups so that differences within the party do not become public.
Understanding the Opposition's Strategy to Formulate a Work Plan
The Congress, under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, has started working towards strengthening the organization in Madhya Pradesh. It is analyzing the BJP's past strategies and preparing for elections anew. In such a situation, the new state president of the BJP will have to understand every move of the opposition and prepare a counter-strategy.
The Challenge of Proving Himself Before the National Leadership
The performance of the Madhya Pradesh BJP has been excellent in both the Lok Sabha and assembly elections. The state won 163 out of 230 seats in the 2023 assembly elections and all 29 seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In such a situation, the national leadership will also keep a special eye on Khandelwal. He will have to prove that he is capable of maintaining and improving this performance.
