BJP Sets in Motion Process to Pick New State Unit Chief

Amid speculation that a BC leader will be chosen, a Union minister and three MPs emerge as frontrunners

- IREDDY SRINIVAS REDDY @Hyderabad

WITH the BJP setting in motion the process to appoint a new president for its Telangana unit, the tension among aspirants and the sense of anticipation among cadre are palpable.

The party as a whole is waiting to see who will receive a call from the national leadership to file the nomination papers for what is expected to be a unanimous election process.

The election notification was issued on Sunday by the party's state returning officer Yendala Laxminarayana. Accordingly, nominations will be accepted until 1 pm, followed by scrutiny until 2 pm.

Aspirants will have until 4 pm to withdraw their nominations. The new state unit chief is expected to be announced on Tuesday and will assume charge the same day at the BJP state office.

The speculation is that the party will opt for a leader from the Backward Classes (BC).

The names topping the discussions are Rajya Sabha member and OBC Morcha national president K Laxman and Malkajgiri MP Eatala Rajender.