 |
|
The recent resignation of Raghubar Das from his post as Odisha governor has ignited a firestorm of speculation within the BJP, particularly concerning his future role within the party. The timing of his resignation, coinciding with potential internal restructuring within the Jharkhand BJP, has heightened anticipation among party members and political analysts alike. Das's next move is anticipated to have a significant impact on both Jharkhand's and national politics. His return to Ranchi, scheduled for Thursday afternoon, is eagerly awaited, as he is expected to address media queries and clarify his intentions. Party insiders have suggested several possibilities for his future role, ranging from a re-engagement as a primary member, followed by significant responsibilities within the Jharkhand BJP, to a more prominent national position.
The ambiguity surrounding Das's future role has fuelled intense debate and varying interpretations among different factions within the BJP. While some insiders believe he will be given a key position within the Jharkhand BJP, possibly as state party president to revitalize the party after their disappointing performance in the recent assembly polls, others suggest a much more significant national role is in the offing. The suggestion that Das could be considered for the position of national party president is particularly noteworthy, given his profile as a prominent OBC leader and the upcoming elections in Delhi and Bihar, where the OBC vote is a crucial factor. The strategic importance of the OBC vote in these crucial upcoming elections cannot be overstated, making Das a potentially valuable asset for the BJP's electoral strategy.
Adding to the intrigue is the situation surrounding Das's daughter-in-law, Purnima Sahu, a first-time MLA from Jamshedpur East. She has indicated her willingness to resign from her seat to potentially pave the way for her father-in-law's return to active politics. This gesture underlines the family's commitment and readiness to support whatever role the party assigns to Das. This move, while seemingly selfless, also highlights the potential for a family dynasty within the party's structure, which might trigger additional reactions and further consolidate Das’s power base within the party.
The speculation extends beyond the immediate possibilities. Das's extensive experience, from a booth-level worker to the Chief Minister of Jharkhand and subsequently the Governor of Odisha, presents a compelling case for his continued influence within the BJP. His undeniable organizational expertise, coupled with his popularity among certain segments of the population, positions him as a potentially valuable asset in the ongoing political landscape. His tenure as Governor, though punctuated by controversies, did not significantly diminish his standing within the party, indicating a degree of resilience and continued support from higher echelons.
The response from various BJP leaders reflects the ongoing uncertainty and cautious optimism surrounding Das's future role. While some have openly expressed their confidence in his abilities and expressed a belief in his potential for success in any role the party might assign him, others have maintained a more reserved stance, emphasizing the central leadership's prerogative in making the final decision. This careful approach highlights the sensitivity of the situation and the potential for internal power dynamics to influence the eventual outcome. The silence from some party leaders might also suggest a deliberate strategy to avoid premature speculation and maintain control over the narrative.
The allegations leveled against Das's son during his governorship in Odisha also cannot be ignored in the overall assessment. These accusations, however, do not seem to have significantly impacted the internal deliberations regarding his future role within the BJP. This indicates either a determination to overlook the controversy or a calculated assessment that the potential benefits of having Das actively involved outweigh the potential risks associated with the allegations. The future trajectory of Das's political career remains uncertain. However, one thing is clear: his resignation has created a significant ripple effect within the BJP, with profound implications for both Jharkhand and the national stage.
Ultimately, the decision rests with the BJP's national leadership. Their assessment will consider a multitude of factors, including the party's strategic needs in Jharkhand and nationally, the political climate, public perception, and potential internal dissent. The decision will likely have far-reaching consequences, shaping not only Das's future but also the course of Jharkhand’s and possibly national politics in the near future. The upcoming weeks will be critical in revealing the final decision and its implications. The political maneuvering and behind-the-scenes negotiations will continue to be a source of intense speculation and analysis among political observers.
The coming weeks will be crucial in unraveling the mystery surrounding Das’s future role. Whether he takes on the mantle of Jharkhand state president or ascends to the national stage, his influence will undoubtedly be felt. This situation underscores the fluid and dynamic nature of Indian politics and the constant power struggles and realignments within the major political parties. This development will continue to dominate political discourse and analysis in the coming days and weeks, as all stakeholders await the official announcement from the party leadership.
Source: Das could be made nat’l prez or J’khand head of party: BJP insiders