HYDERABAD: The stage is finally set for the election of the new president of the Telangana BJP. With several leaders vying for the position to succeed the current state president G Kishan Reddy, the state BJP has decided to conduct an election for the post on July 1. If polling is held, it will mark the first time in at least the past three decades that such an election has taken place.The party announced on Saturday that the notification for the election will be issued on Sunday. The nomination and withdrawal process will take place on June 30, and the election, if required, will be held on July 1. Around 150 members, including state council members and district presidents, will cast their votes in the election.

Among the key contenders are Malkajgiri MP Eatala Rajender, former MLC N Ramachander Rao, Nizamabad MP Arvind Dharmapuri, DK Aruna, and another MP, Raghunandan Rao. Several others have also expressed interest in the post. Meanwhile, the BJP's central leadership is reportedly considering reinstating Union minister Bandi Sanjay and Rajya Sabha MP K Laxman, both of whom have previously served as state presidents.

Party leaders suggest this may be the first time the BJP's central leadership is facing intense pressure over the appointment of the Telangana state president. Eatala Rajender, considered the frontrunner, previously served as a minister in the BRS govt for nearly six to seven years and is now an MP from Malkajgiri. Leaders such as Ramachander Rao, who has a long association with the BJP and was previously active in the ABVP, are also in contention.While some leaders support Rajender's candidacy, citing his seniority, community background, and oratory skills, others oppose him on the grounds that he only joined the BJP a few years ago after leaving the BRS. Generally, the BJP prefers to elect the state president unanimously. However, if more than one candidate wishes to contest, the party will allow nominations and conduct a formal election. " In 2006, both Bandaru Dattatreya and N Indrasena Reddy filed nominations for the post of united Andhra Pradesh BJP president. But following the intervention of the party leadership, Indrasena Reddy withdrew his nomination," a senior BJP leader recalled.The BJP has appointed Union minister, Shobha Karandlaje, as the returning officer for the election. She will consult with party leaders if any nominations are filed.