BJP’s ‘Tai-Bhai’ era fading in Indore:New power blocs emerge in Malwa; young leaders gain ground ahead of 2028 elections

The politics of ‘Tai’ (Sumitra Mahajan) and ‘Bhai’ (Kailash Vijayvargiya) that ruled Indore for decades is changing. The BJP’s new city and state executive announcements have shown a shift towards young faces and new power groups. Party insiders say the focus is on grooming the next generation of leaders ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections. However, this change has not come without protests and internal friction. New leadership takes centre stage After the BJP announced its Madhya Pradesh state executive and later the Indore city executive, a debate began in political circles. Many are asking if the influence of the old powerhouses — Tai and Bhai — is weakening, and whether the party is preparing a new team of young leaders for the future. When Gaurav Randive was appointed to the state executive, Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya made headlines by saying, “I don’t cut the plant I sow.” His remark indicated that although Randive had grown politically under him, he now represented a new and independent power centre in Indore. New power groups emerge For many years, Indore BJP was controlled by two camps — Sumitra Mahajan (Tai) and Kailash Vijayvargiya (Bhai). Every major decision, from organisation to ticket allocation, revolved around them. But that dominance is now breaking down. Two new factions have emerged in Indore’s BJP politics: 1. The Youth Faction – Led by Gaurav Randive, MLA Manoj Patel, Eklavya Gaur, and Sawan Sonkar. These leaders are often seen together in events and on social media. They represent modern political methods and youth outreach. 2. The Structural Faction – Led by MLA Ramesh Mendola, MLA Golu Shukla, and City President Sumit Mishra. Their supporters now hold key posts in the city executive, showing their growing organisational control. Old Tai–Bhai loyalists lose ground Supporters of both Sumitra Mahajan and Kailash Vijayvargiya have received little or no representation in the new Indore executive. From the Tai camp, names like former corporator Sudhir Dedge were discussed but excluded. From MP Shankar Lalwani’s side, only Kanchan Gidwani made it into the team, becoming a city minister. Bharat Parakh, close to the mayor, was made vice-president. Even Kailash Vijayvargiya’s loyalists were sidelined. His supporter Bhupendra Kesari had to settle for the Vice President post, while Govind Panwar was made Co-Office Secretary. Sources say MP Shankar Lalwani had recommended four names for the city team, but only one was approved, showing how limited the old groups’ influence has become. Discontent spills into the open The announcement of the new executive has caused anger in several quarters. Two incidents revealed internal tensions within the Indore BJP. 1. Black ink protest – Members of the Khatri community smeared black ink on City President Sumit Mishra’s nameplate. They were upset that none of their community members, including Jitu Jirati’s supporters, were given posts in the new executive. Even Jirati himself was left out of the state executive. Following this, BJP workers were instructed to file an FIR against those involved, and party leaders were later told to apologise to calm tensions. 2. Controversy over Swati Kashid’s appointment – The appointment of Swati Kashid as city minister sparked criticism because her husband, Yuvraj Kashid, has a criminal record. Swati defended herself, saying she has been active in social work and women’s safety initiatives like martial arts training and pilgrimage events. Vijayvargiya’s statement adds fuel When Gaurav Randive became the State General Secretary, rumours spread that it happened despite Kailash Vijayvargiya’s opposition. Vijayvargiya clarified publicly, saying, “I never cut the plant I sow.” He added that he had known about the appointments in advance, calling the organisational process dignified. The remark, however, highlighted the quiet power struggle between old and new factions within the BJP. Analysts see planned generational shift Political analysts say these developments are part of a planned transition in Indore’s BJP. Senior journalist Mukesh Tiwari says the dominance of MLA Ramesh Mendola and Golu Shukla in City President Sumit Mishra’s team shows a clear factional hierarchy. At the same time, the rise of Randive, Sonkar, Patel, and Gaur indicates a coordinated effort to form a new power bloc. Another senior journalist, Prakash Hindustani, says the BJP now functions like a corporate organisation rather than a traditional political party. According to him, “Tai-Bhai politics is fading. The second and third generations are no longer satisfied being workers; they want a seat at the decision-making table.” Why BJP is playing the youth card Sources say the party’s shift towards younger faces is part of a national plan for the 2028 Assembly elections. Several factors are driving this change: A new phase in Indore BJP The old Tai–Bhai era, once central to Indore’s political identity, appears to be nearing its end. In its place, a young, tech-savvy, and ambitious generation is rising — one that wants to shape its own destiny. The BJP’s organisational shake-up may have triggered discontent, but it clearly signals the party’s message: the future belongs to the new generation.