The journey to selecting the new state president for BJP Uttar Pradesh is almost complete. Pankaj Chaudhary, currently holding the position of Minister of State for Finance, submitted his nomination for UP BJP state president, signaling a new phase for the party. The nomination process saw the presence of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Deputy CMs Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, National General Secretary Vinod Tawde, senior leader Mahendra Nath Pandey, and former Union Minister Smriti Irani.
With Pankaj Chaudhary's nomination, it is almost certain he will be the next state president. To this date, no other candidate has filed a nomination, making an official announcement likely to occur this Sunday.
Pankaj Chaudhary, recognized as a stalwart from the Kurmi community, has been a seven-time MP, instilling great enthusiasm among party workers. Supporters see him as a seasoned leader capable of balancing organizational goals with government initiatives. Let's delve into his political journey...
BJP's Focus on the Kurmi Representation
Should Pankaj Chaudhary take on the role of UP BJP state president, he will be the fourth from the Kurmi community to hold this position. Prior leaders from this community included Vinay Katiyar, Om Prakash Singh, and Swatantra Dev Singh.
The decision is perceived as strategic, aimed at strengthening OBC politics and fortifying the organizational base in the Purvanchal region.
From Councilor to Member of Parliament
Pankaj Chaudhary embarked on his political career in 1989 as a councilor in Gorakhpur Municipal Corporation. In a significant turn of events, BJP offered him a ticket in 1991 for the Maharajganj Lok Sabha seat at merely 27 years of age.
The Kurmi-dominated district favored his candidacy, leading to his debut in the nation's parliament. From that point forward, his political ascent has been uninterrupted.
A Streak of Electoral Victories
Since 1991, Pankaj Chaudhary's electoral journey stands robust. Excluding the 1999 and 2009 parliamentary elections, he clinched the Maharajganj seat in 1991, 1996, 1998, 2004, 2014, 2019, and 2024.
Source: aajtak
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, for the first time, he faced a significant challenge in his stronghold. The Congress alliance fielded Virendra Chaudhary, a fellow community member from Pharenda. This led to a division among the Kurmi, Patel, and Sainthwar voters.
Nevertheless, Pankaj Chaudhary emerged victorious, defeating his Congress opponent by 35,451 votes, securing his third consecutive win and marking his seventh overall victory in Maharajganj.
Lifelong Commitment to BJP
Pankaj Chaudhary is regarded as a steadfast party loyalist. Regardless of political climates, he consistently aligned with BJP, contributing significantly to expanding the party's base in the Terai region. He is celebrated among party workers as an approachable and straightforward leader, adept at dismantling political challenges with grace.
Firm Hold Over District Panchayat
Pankaj Chaudhary's political influence extends over the Maharajganj District Panchayat. Since Maharajganj's separation from Gorakhpur, his family has maintained control over the district panchayat. Initially headed by his late brother Pradeep Chaudhary, the leadership baton passed to his mother Ujjwala Chaudhary, attesting to their sustained influence despite changing political contexts.
Minister at the Centre and Organizational Rewards...
Pankaj Chaudhary currently serves as the Minister of State for Finance in the central government. His inaugural ministerial appointment came in 2021 under Prime Minister Modi's second term, with continued trust placed in him during the 2024 third term.
His steadfast dedication to the party over a political career spanning more than three decades is set to culminate in his likely appointment as state president.
About Pankaj Chaudhary...
Birthdate: November 15, 1964
Education: Graduate
Father: Bhagwati Prasad Chaudhary
Mother: Ujjwala Chaudhary
Spouse: Bhagyashree Chaudhary
Occupation: Industry and Agriculture
Political Milestones
1989: Councilor and Deputy Chairman at Gorakhpur Municipal Corporation
1991, 1996, 1998, 2004, 2014, 2019, 2024: MP from Maharajganj
1999 and 2009: Defeated in Lok Sabha elections
2021: Appointed Minister of State for Finance in Modi's second term
2024: Again appointed as Minister of State for Finance in Modi's third term
Chronicle of UP BJP Presidents
Madhav Prasad Tripathi – 1980
Kalyan Singh – 1984
Rajendra Kumar Gupta – 1990
Kalraj Mishra – 1991
Rajnath Singh – 1997
Om Prakash Singh – 2000
Kalraj Mishra – 2000
Vinay Katiyar – 2002
Kesharinath Tripathi – 2004
Dr. Ramapati Ram Tripathi – 2007
Surya Pratap Shahi – 2010
Laxmikant Vajpayee – 2012
Keshav Prasad Maurya – 2016
Mahendra Nath Pandey – 2017
Swatantra Dev Singh – 2019
Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary – 2022 to current
