The question is not only who will be the new president, but also on what caste balance will BJP bet on. Will Brahmin or OBC or the party hand over command to a Dalit face in a surprise move?
The current picture shows that BJP is seriously considering the names of six leaders. These six faces represent different social classes and can play an important role in the 2027 election roadmap for the party. Let us know, who are these six giants and why their names are most discussed.
The equation stuck between Brahmin and OBC, Dalit card can also be a masterstroke
It is believed in BJP that if it becomes difficult to strike a balance between Brahmins and OBCs, then the party can give a direct answer to the opposition’s PDA narrative by putting forward a Dalit face. This is the reason why the names of two leaders each from all the three classes are trending at the top – Dinesh Sharma and Harish Dwivedi from Brahmin class, Dharampal Singh and BL Verma from OBC (Lodh) and Ramshankar Katheria and Vidyasagar Sonkar among Dalit leaders. Each of these names can become the final choice at any moment based on their respective field, experience and acceptability.
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Who are those 6 leaders who are ahead in the race to become UP BJP President?
1. Dr. Dinesh Sharma: Three decades of experience, long journey from organization to government
Dr. Dinesh Sharma, who is considered to be at the forefront of the Brahmin class, is among those selected leaders of BJP, who have registered their strong presence in all three places, organization, government and Parliament. Born in Lucknow, Dinesh Sharma comes from a family with RSS background and has been a professor by profession.
His political journey started from Vidyarthi Parishad in 1987 and later became the Mayor of Lucknow twice. In 2017, he became the Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and held the responsibility of Leader of the House in the Legislative Council. In 2023, he was sent to Rajya Sabha unopposed. His administrative experience and command over the organization makes him a strong contender.
2. Harish Dwivedi: Reached Lok Sabha from ABVP, strongest contender in Brahmin quota.
Another big name from the Brahmin community is Harish Dwivedi, who has made his mark in central politics while working continuously in the organization. Dwivedi, a resident of Basti, joined ABVP in 1991 and gradually reached the Lok Sabha twice through various responsibilities of the organization.
In 2014 and 2019 he won from Basti seat. Although he lost this seat in 2024, but responsibilities like minister in the party’s national team and co-in-charge of Bihar always keep him close to the central leadership. He is considered a Brahmin face and a trusted leader of the organization.
3. Dharampal Singh: Four-time MLA, strong hold in OBC Lodh community
If BJP plays a big bet on OBCs, then Dharampal Singh is an important name in this race. Born in the Lodhi family of Bareilly district, Dharampal has been elected MLA four times and is a minister in the Yogi government.
He has always maintained a deep hold in his assembly constituency Amla and in 2017, he reached the assembly again by defeating the SP candidate. He has experience in both organization and government. His acceptance among the Lodhi community makes him strong as an OBC card.
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4. BL Verma: Lodh (OBC) leader, minister in Modi government and prominent face of the organization.
BL Verma is currently the most popular contender from the OBC group. Verma, a resident of Badaun, started politics from the booth level and today is a Union Minister. He has been close to former Chief Minister Kalyan Singh and is counted among the trusted leaders of Sunil Bansal. From State Minister to President of Braj region and then State Vice President of BJP, he held many responsibilities in the organization.
The responsibility of being a Rajya Sabha member and two ministries at the Center has further increased his political credibility. His hold in the organization and influence on the OBC society is keeping him in the top race.
5. Ramshankar Katheria: Strongest among Dalit faces, RSS campaigner and deep hold in Etawah-Agra belt.
If BJP puts forward a Dalit leader, then the most prominent name is that of Katheria. Katheriya, a resident of Etawah, has been an RSS pracharak for 13 years and has a deep study on the Dalit society.
His popularity in Etawah-Mainpuri-Agra belt can prove to be a big opportunity for the party to expand its organization in Yadav dominated areas. He has been an MP twice and has also been a minister at the Centre. His acceptability among many factions of the party leadership could make him a potential ‘surprise pick’.
6. Vidyasagar Sonkar: Grassroots leader, journey from booth president to MLC
Vidyasagar Sonkar’s name is fast emerging as the second Dalit contender. Sonkar, who became booth president in 1985, gradually worked on many important posts in the municipality, district president, MP, MLC and the organization.
RSS background and strong hold in Purvanchal make him a balanced face. His work in Kashi and Gorakhpur province has made him a reliable choice for the organization. His down-to-earth image and clean identity also make him a safe choice.
Six names, many equations… but the decision will be taken on the immediate message of politics
The election of UP BJP president will not only decide caste mathematics but will also decide the strategy for 2027 elections. Whoever is selected among these six names will impact both the direction of the organization and the election preparations. Now just waiting for the announcement of BJP, which can create a new equation in the politics of UP and will decide the political agenda of the coming months.