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Who will be appointed as the next Uttar Pradesh BJP president as the party prepares for the 2027 elections and how could caste dynamics and political strategy shape this crucial decision?
Six names have emerged as frontrunners, including leaders from Brahmin OBC and Dalit communities.
Lucknow: The race to appoint the next Uttar Pradesh BJP president has gained momentum as party leaders hold crucial meetings in Lucknow to assess potential candidates. On Monday evening, top leaders including Arun Kumar, co general secretary of RSS, and BJP national organization secretary BL Santosh met with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Deputy Chief Minister to discuss strategy ahead of the 2027 assembly and upcoming local elections.
Party sources indicate that the new state president could come from the OBC, Dalit, or Brahmin communities to strengthen BJP’s outreach across voter segments. Six names have emerged as leading contenders in the ongoing evaluation process.
Dinesh Sharma – The Brahmin Candidate
Former Deputy Chief Minister and current Rajya Sabha member Dinesh Sharma is considered a top contender. Known for his calm demeanor and long-standing association with RSS, Sharma is also regarded as a trusted confidant of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His experience in governance and political organization makes him a strong candidate for the role.
Harish Dwivedi – Experienced Leader Across Organization and Government
Harish Dwivedi, former MP from Basti, brings extensive experience in both organizational and government roles. With a background in Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad and BJP, Dwivedi has been deeply connected with party activities and grassroots leadership, making him another serious contender for the state president position.
Dharmapal Singh – OBC Leader
Cabinet Minister Dharmapal Singh, representing the Lodhi community, is also in the running. The Lodhi community constitutes a significant OBC vote bank in Uttar Pradesh and has historically been politically influential, including leaders like former Chief Minister Kalyan Singh. Singh’s experience in state governance strengthens his candidacy.
BL Verma – OBC Representation
Union Minister BL Verma from Badaun, an influential OBC leader, is part of the leadership race. Verma’s work at both state and central levels and his strong OBC connections could help BJP consolidate this important voter base ahead of the elections.
Ramshankar Katheria – Dalit Face
Former Union Minister Ramshankar Katheria, associated with the Agra region, is also a contender. Katheria has served as MP from Agra and Etawah and maintains strong connections within the Dalit community, which accounts for roughly 21 percent of Uttar Pradesh’s population. His appointment could be seen as a strategic move to bring Dalit voters closer to BJP ahead of 2027 elections.
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Vidyasagar Sonkar – Dalit Leader with Grassroots Experience
Vidyasagar Sonkar, currently a legislative council member, has decades of experience from booth-level leadership to party committees. Born in Jaunpur, Sonkar has maintained long-term ties with RSS and BJP organizational structures, making him a strong candidate for consolidating Dalit representation in the party leadership.
Choosing a leader from the OBC or Dalit communities could help BJP counter the opposition’s PDA alliance in Uttar Pradesh. Non-Yadav OBC voters including Kurmi, Kushwaha, Maurya, Nishad, and Lodhi groups have historically supported the party. By selecting a socially influential leader, BJP aims to send a clear message and strengthen its electoral prospects in upcoming state and local polls.
