Lucknow: Newly elected Uttar Pradesh BJP president Pankaj Chaudhary delivered a clear message of organisational discipline and worker-centric leadership at the BJP Sangathan Parv ceremony held at Dr Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University, Ashiyana. Declaring that the organisation is supreme for him, Chaudhary said every directive of the party would be binding and followed with full commitment.
Addressing a large gathering of party workers and leaders, Chaudhary described BJP workers as the party’s real strength and capital. He said his leadership mantra would rest on “organisation, outreach, dialogue and coordination,” stressing that continuous communication with workers is the foundation of strong leadership.
Expressing gratitude to the central leadership, Chaudhary thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP national president JP Nadda, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the Sangh Parivar for entrusting him with the responsibility. He said it was only in a democratic party like the BJP that a “common worker” could rise to such a significant organisational position.
Calling Lucknow an important centre of Indian politics, the new state president said he felt honoured, excited and humbled to take charge in the state capital. He added that the affection and enthusiasm shown by party workers from across Uttar Pradesh had deeply moved him.
Chaudhary underlined that the BJP does not function on the basis of dynasty or caste. “Leadership in the BJP is not reserved for any family or caste. Any committed worker can shoulder the biggest responsibility,” he said, adding that this was the party’s biggest strength.
Sharing his political journey, Chaudhary said his entry into politics was not pre-planned but driven by his refusal to bow before injustice. Recalling his legal battle during the deputy mayor elections in Gorakhpur, he said he fought from the civil court to the Supreme Court and secured justice within seven months. He noted that in 1991, at the age of 26, the BJP asked him to contest the Lok Sabha elections from Maharajganj. From 1991 to 2024, he has remained loyal to both the party and the constituency, contesting seven times from the same seat.
Chaudhary said serving as Minister of State for Finance at the Centre was a responsibility given by Prime Minister Modi based on trust, which he continues to discharge with sincerity. However, he described the role of state BJP president as his most serious and challenging responsibility so far. He added that the experiences of the 15 former state presidents since 1980 would be an invaluable source of guidance for him.
Highlighting the four pillars of any political organisation—workers, office, programmes and funds—Chaudhary said the worker remains the most crucial. “Without dedicated workers, all other systems become meaningless,” he said, assuring party workers that they were his top priority and that he would listen to them, fight for them and try to resolve their issues.
He emphasised that leadership is not about ruling but about playing a role as a coordinator and problem-solver. “I don’t want to rule, I want to play my role,” he said, adding that a party position may become former, but a worker never does.
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, addressing the gathering, spoke about Prime Minister Modi’s vision and the development work being carried out in Uttar Pradesh under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The ceremony also saw a traditional welcome of the new state president with conch and damru sounds, while Bhupendra Chaudhary formally handed over the party flag to Pankaj Chaudhary.
