Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary has emerged as the frontrunner to become the next president of the Bharatiya Janata Party's Uttar Pradesh unit, with sources indicating he is likely to file nomination papers on December 13, 2025, ahead of an expected announcement on December 14. The seven-time MP from Maharajganj, belonging to the Kurmi Other Backward Classes (OBC) community, is seen as a strategic choice to strengthen the party's outreach among non-Yadav OBC voters ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.

Chaudhary's political journey began in local governance, serving as a Gorakhpur Municipal Corporation member from 1989 to 1991 and briefly as deputy mayor, before joining the BJP in 1990. A graduate of Gorakhpur University with a family legacy—his mother, Ujjwal Chaudhary, was Maharajganj District Panchayat President—he has represented Maharajganj in Lok Sabha for multiple terms, including consecutive wins since 2014. Appointed MoS Finance in the Modi government, he is regarded as a trusted leader close to top central figures.

The BJP's focus on an OBC face for the state presidency aims to consolidate backward caste support, particularly Kurmis, who form 8-10% of voters and influence 30-40 seats across regions like Purvanchal, Awadh, and Rohilkhand. This follows alliances like with Apna Dal (Sonelal) and comes after some Kurmi drift in recent polls. Other contenders included Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti (Nishad) and BL Verma (Lodh), but Chaudhary has gained prominence.

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Nominations will be overseen by Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and National General Secretary Vinod Tawde in Lucknow, replacing current president Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary, whose term emphasised organisational expansion.

If appointed, Chaudhary's elevation may trigger a Cabinet reshuffle for regional balance, potentially elevating figures from central UP or reinducting outgoing leaders like Bhupendra Chaudhary. Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti could receive other responsibilities. The move reflects the BJP's recalibration in Uttar Pradesh, prioritising caste dynamics and grassroots strength as it prepares for upcoming local body polls and the crucial 2027 state contest.

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