In his first official press conference since taking charge, the newly appointed Uttar Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president, Pankaj Chaudhary, made a clear statement about his intended leadership style, distancing himself from the image of a hard-nosed political operator.
Not a 'Manipulative' Leader, Says Chaudhary
Addressing the media at the party headquarters in Lucknow on Tuesday, Chaudhary explicitly stated that he is not a "manipulative neta" (leader) and believes in working in a simple and straightforward manner. "Main koi dand-phand wala neta to hun nahi…. main apna kaam seedhe tareeke se karta hun.." (I am not a leader who uses force or manipulation... I do my work in a straightforward way), he declared. His candid remarks immediately sparked discussions within political circles, especially among the saffron camp, about the underlying message he aimed to convey.
Later, while speaking separately to journalists, Chaudhary clarified that his words reflected his genuine feelings. He emphasized his desire for inclusive functioning, stating, "I just wish to take everyone along…" This approach marks a significant early definition of his tenure.
Contrasting Leadership in a Key State
Chaudhary's comments come just over a week after he made another notable statement at a mega event in Lucknow, where his appointment was announced by senior BJP leader and Union Minister Piyush Goyal. On that occasion, he had said he was not there to "rule" but to "play a role." Political observers and a section of UP BJP leaders view these repeated assertions as a deliberate attempt to shape a distinct leadership persona.
By projecting an image of simplicity and consensus-building, Chaudhary appears keen to contrast himself with the perception of strict, top-down organisational control often associated with political management in a complex and politically crucial state like Uttar Pradesh. Analysts suggest his focus is on softening the traditional image of a state party chief from that of a command-and-control figure to a more collaborative one.
Focus on Workers and Targeting the Opposition
Elaborating on his philosophy, Chaudhary placed party workers at the centre of his plans. He stated that a karyakarta (worker) meant "everything" to him and assured that he would take all decisions after consulting them. He also thanked the BJP's central leadership for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the party in Uttar Pradesh, which he described as the "epicentre of national politics."
When questioned about the appointment of the relatively younger Nitin Nabin as a national working president, Chaudhary said the BJP deploys its functionaries "as per the requirement." He explained, "He (Nabin) was suited to play a national role, while I was required to take charge of UP."
The state BJP chief also took the opportunity to criticise the opposition's political narrative. He targeted the Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak (PDA) slogan, redefining it as "Parivarik Dal Alliance" (Family Party Alliance). He alleged that parties in the opposition camp are essentially family-run outfits whose interests are confined to their own kin, contrasting it with the BJP's broader ideological and developmental focus.
Chaudhary's early pronouncements have set the tone for his presidency, highlighting a potential shift towards a more consultative and worker-centric approach in the BJP's Uttar Pradesh unit as it prepares for future electoral battles.
