Speculation rife over change of guard in BJP
Though the state president is a nominated post, as per party norms the post is held for a single term lasting for three years.
Chennai: With over a year to go for curtains to come down on the term of the present chief of Tamil Nadu unit of the BJP, speculation is already rife that there may be a change of guard. Several names are doing the rounds and even those who don’t enjoy the support of the leadership, presume they can be the bull in China shop.
Though the state president is a nominated post, as per party norms the post is held for a single term lasting for three years. When Nitin Gadkari took over the reins of the party, the BJP decided to extend the term and accordingly all state presidents in the country got a fresh lease. In Tamil Nadu, Pon Radhakrishnan got the continuity and he saw his fortunes enlarge when he won the Lok Sabha election in 2014. He was immediately elevated as Union minister of state mid-way of his second term in office as state BJP president and was replaced by Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan, then state vice president.
And in the election year of 2016, party chief Amit Shah had ensured Tamilisai’s continuity for another term. This doctor by profession was the first woman to head the saffron party in Tamil Nadu.
“None can lobby with our national chief Amit Shah. It is even difficult to impress him,” says BJP senior M. Chakravarthy, on the names of leaders like H. Raja, C. P. Radhakrishnan and Karuppu Muruganandam doing the rounds. Dismissing it as rumours, Mr Chakravarthy said Tamilisai’s term would come to an end about one-and-a-half years from now.
Why was Amit Shah trip deferred?
Amit Shah had to stay back at the national capital due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Sri Lanka (to attend the biggest Buddhist festival ‘Vesak Day’ as its chief guest) in Colombo from May 12 to 14, a BJP senior said. “Moreover, the state organisers did not take into account the Chithirai festival at Sri Meenakshi Sundareshwar temple in Madurai where the Meenakshi Thirukalyanam and Lord Kalazhagar entering into Vaigai river are the major attractions. Many from the southern districts would head for Madurai during these events and it would be impossible to mobilise crowds during his visit,” he said explaining the reasons for the deferment of Shah’s three-day visit to TN from May 10.
His presence is required at the national capital till May 15 and thereafter he would visit Lakshadweep from May 16 - 18 for his Booth Pravesh and Telangana from May 22 - 24.