HYDERABAD: Bandi Sanjay Kumar, BJP MP from Karimnagar and former Telangana BJP state president, was appointed as one of the party’s national general secretaries on Saturday. The party also announced that senior leader D.K. Aruna will continue as its national vice-president.
Sanjay’s new position, which will give him a ringside view of the BJP’s national picture, has been welcomed by the party’s senior state leaders. Sanjay became the only leader from the southern states to hold the rank of party general secretary.
Soon after his appointment, Sanjay posted on Twitter that he was “humbled that a grassroot karyakarta like me has been give the role of national general secretary. Heartfelt thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and party national president J.P. Nadda for giving me such a big opportunity. Gratitude to BJP karyakartas and all people, especially from Karimnagar who have supported me always. With utmost dedication, I will continue to serve my party and people (sic).”
Sanjay is expected to receive additional responsibilities as in-charge for one of the southern states and, according to party sources, is expected to be pressed into service as a star campaigner for the Telangana Assembly elections this year, and for next year’s Lok Sabha elections.
After serving as the state president for over three years, he was recently replaced in that position by Union minister G. Kishan Redddy, and the party’s national leadership had indicated that Sanjay’s hard work in making BJP a force to reckon with in Telangana, would be recognised.
His elevation was welcomed by Kishan Reddy, Rajya Sabha member Dr K. Laxman, Aruna, Huzurabad MLA Etala Rajendar and several other party leaders in the state.
The BJP also announced that it was reappointing Satya Kumar Yadav, a party leader from Andhra Pradesh, as national secretary. This is the third time in a row that Satya Kumar Yadav will be holding the post.
