Haryana. Putting an end to the speculations that have been going on in the political circles of Haryana for the past several days, the central leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party has made a major change in the organization. Surprising everyone, the party has declared senior leader and well-known radiologist from Panipat, Dr. Archana Gupta, as the new Subedar (State President) of Haryana BJP. This appointment, made by removing Mohanlal Baroli of Sonipat, is also historic in the sense that this is the second time in the 43-year history of Haryana BJP that a woman has taken charge. Earlier in the year 1980, Dr. Kamla Verma had the honour of becoming the first woman president of Haryana BJP.
Aseem Goyal’s name was left behind, Manohar Lal’s close associate got the promotion.
Former Ambala minister Aseem Goyal’s name was leading the race, as he was close to Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. However, Dr. Archana Gupta ultimately won. Dr. Archana is considered a close ally of Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and the organization. It’s worth noting that discussions about replacing Mohanlal Baroli, who was appointed state president in 2024, have been circulating for several weeks. It’s a long-standing tradition in the BJP to promote the state general secretary to the position of president. Both Chief Minister Nayab Saini and outgoing president Mohanlal Baroli served as state general secretaries before becoming presidents.
From a doctor to a firebrand leader, she reached the top in 6 years.
A doctor by profession and a seasoned politician, Dr. Archana Gupta’s career has been quite interesting. An MBBS and MD (Gold Medalist) radiologist, Dr. Archana was an active member of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s “Indian Health Line” before entering politics. She subsequently entered active politics through the BJP Mahila Morcha. Her first major political advancement came in 2020 when she was appointed District President of the Panipat BJP, the first female District President of Panipat. Following this, in recognition of her work within the organization, she was directly elevated to the position of State General Secretary in 2023, and now she has been elected State President.
These three major equations tilted the scales in favor of Dr. Archana Gupta.
According to political analysts, there is a deep strategy behind the high command’s appointment of Dr. Archana Gupta as president. First, the Vaishya community, considered the BJP’s traditional and cadre voter base, was directly targeted by this decision. Vipul Goyal is the only minister from this community in the current Haryana cabinet, making it crucial to send a message to the decisive Vaishya voters in urban areas. Second, following the central government’s Women’s Reservation Bill, the BJP is working to create a women-centric environment across the country, with Dr. Archana leading the state’s meetings. Furthermore, her social service and impeccable reputation as a physician during the COVID-19 pandemic also played a key role in her elevation to this top position.