Who's next? BJP prepares for new party President

• JP Nadda's term as BJP president ends this month amid party's declining political returns
• Prominent contenders for the next president include Vinod Tawde, Sunil Bansal, B.L. Santosh, and Om Mathur
• JP Nadda currently allocated the Health Ministry as well as the Chemicals and Fertilizers Ministry

With JP Nadda's extended term as BJP president ending later this month, the focus shifts to the selection of the next leader for the "world's biggest political party." This transition comes at a crucial time when the BJP is facing diminishing political returns after nearly two decades of dominance. 

He was allocated the Health Ministry as well as the Chemicals and Fertilizers Ministry on Monday, a day after taking oath as a cabinet minister in the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government.

Under JP Nadda, the BJP saw a decline, with its Lok Sabha tally dipping to 240 seats this year. The party lost control in several states, including Nadda's home state of Himachal Pradesh. 

Several senior BJP leaders are in the running for the top position. National general secretary Vinod Tawde, a former Maharashtra minister from the OBC community, is a key contender. Another strong candidate is BJP general secretary Sunil Bansal, who has a close association with Amit Shah and experience in managing elections in various states. 

Rajya Sabha MP Om Mathur, known for his close ties with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his RSS background, is also a serious contender. His experience in Gujarat and association with former Rajasthan CM Bhairon Singh Shekhawat add to his credentials.