Will Outgoing Himachal BJP Chief Rajeev Bindal Retain His Position for a Third Term?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Rajeev Bindal files nomination for a third term.
- No opposing candidates in the race.
- Key BJP leaders support his candidacy.
- Election results to be announced soon.
- Bindal has extensive experience in state politics.
Shimla, June 30 (NationPress) Rajeev Bindal, the outgoing President of the Himachal Pradesh BJP and a close ally of the party's national leader J.P. Nadda, officially submitted his nomination on Monday to continue in his role for a third consecutive term. The nomination was filed at the state BJP office, in the presence of prominent party figures including BJP National Vice President Saudan Singh, former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, and state BJP in-charge Shrikant Sharma.
According to Rajeev Bhardwaj, the BJP’s election in-charge, three sets of nominations were received for Bindal's candidacy for state president. His nomination garnered approval from significant leaders such as the Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, former Union Minister Anurag Thakur, and all Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs, alongside former state presidents.
“Our team received only one nomination for the position of state president,” he remarked. With no competing candidates, it is anticipated that Bindal will be unanimously re-elected as state President.
Following the election schedule, Union Minister Jitendra Singh is set to announce the election results on Tuesday in Shimla.
Bindal previously held the health portfolio from 2007 to 2012 during the BJP's time in power but had to resign as cabinet minister in July 2012 due to internal party pressures aimed at presenting a clean government image ahead of that year’s Assembly elections.
Among the party leadership in the state, Bindal is recognized for his extensive experience and adept organizational capabilities, having served as a former legislator from both Nahan and Solan.
In 2020, Bindal took over the party leadership, succeeding Satpal Satti, who had been in the role since February 2012. Although Satti’s second term ended in January 2019, he remained in office until after the Lok Sabha elections.
Bindal had to resign from his post months later due to ethical concerns following a state Health Department scandal. Despite calls from the opposition Congress for a CBI investigation, Bindal denied any BJP leaders' involvement in the matter.
In April 2023, despite losing the 2022 Assembly election in Nahan, Bindal was reappointed as party chief, succeeding Suresh Kashyap from Shimla. The BJP faced challenges in Sirmaur during the 2022 Assembly elections, losing three out of five segments.