Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will get a new party president after the ongoing Bihar Assembly elections conclude.
In an exclusive interview with Network18 Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi, Singh said, "After the Bihar polls, you will hear about the next BJP president. There is no dispute in our party."
The Bihar elections are being held in two phases, the first on November 6 and the second on November 11, with results to be declared on November 14.
Rajnath Singh also clarified the role of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), dismissing speculation about its influence over the party’s political decisions. "The RSS never interferes in the BJP's political work. I have been associated with the RSS since childhood. Patriotism is inculcated by the Sangh," he said.
The next BJP president will be the party’s 12th national chief and will serve in a full-time capacity. JP Nadda, who first became the acting president in 2019 and was formally elected in 2020, was recently inducted into the Union Cabinet as Minister for Health and Chemicals & Fertilisers, prompting the search for his successor.
Speaking on the ongoing Bihar polls, Rajnath Singh expressed confidence in the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) returning to power. "Public response makes us believe we will form a government, and we could get a two-thirds majority. Nitish Kumar will be the Chief Minister and the election is being contested under his leadership," he said.
On political strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor and his party Jan Suraaj, Singh dismissed their electoral prospects. "Prashant Kishor is an insignificant factor, and there is no need to dwell on that. People know who is fighting to cut votes, and who is standing to form the government. Kishor’s party may not win even one seat," he added.
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