BJP Picks Veteran RSS Worker for Rajya Sabha Seat, Bypassing Big Names

BJP Chooses a Familiar Face for Rajya Sabha

After weeks of speculation about high-profile candidates, the BJP has chosen Paka Venkata Satyanarayana, a long-time RSS worker, to represent them in the upcoming Rajya Sabha bypoll in Andhra Pradesh.

Sources within the BJP say they selected Satyanarayana because of his unwavering loyalty and dedication to the party. They also hope his background as an OBC Goud will resonate with voters from that community.

Satyanarayana: A Staunch Party Man

Satyanarayana has been deeply involved with the BJP for decades. He joined the RSS at the young age of 15 and later became active in student politics. He officially joined the BJP in 1980 and steadily climbed the ranks, holding various positions like town general secretary, district secretary, and Bhimavaram counsellor. He even served as the BJP’s Assembly Convener from Bhimavaram.

While he has contested elections in the past, including the 1996 Lok Sabha elections and the 2006 MLC elections, he has primarily focused on building the party from within.

A Measured Voice in the Rajya Sabha

BJP leaders describe Satyanarayana as a “deserving candidate” who has earned his place. They believe he will be a thoughtful and measured voice in the Upper House.

According to them, Satyanarayana’s long-standing experience and deep understanding of the BJP’s ideology make him an ideal candidate. He has also been involved in drafting the party’s election manifestos for several elections.

Bypassing Big Names

The selection of Satyanarayana has come as a surprise to some, as names like former Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai and former Union Minister Smriti Irani were also being considered for the Rajya Sabha seat vacated by YSR Congress Party leader V Vijayasai Reddy.

The bypoll is scheduled for May 9, and with no other candidates expected to file nominations, Satyanarayana’s path to the Rajya Sabha appears clear.