BJP thinks of gov’t changes, caste balance, and cabinet reshuffle, amid speculation and preparations for upcoming elections. The BJP’s top brass, including Shah, Nadda, Santhosh, meet PM Modi to discuss potential changes in organization and government. Last cabinet reshuffle in July 2021; now BJP aims to rejuvenate party and government ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
During the meeting, the leaders also focused on strategizing for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. To prepare for the 2024 elections, they divided 543 seats into three zones and scheduled strategy meetings in early July. The zones will be north, south and east. The BJP plans to mobilise experienced individuals to make the organization more competitive in the upcoming elections.
Election Imperative: Potential Reshuffle Fuelled by State Polls and Political Messaging
The brainstorming comes at a critical time as five important assembly elections is scheduled in M.P, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Mizoram. In a significant move the PM emphasised on implementation of the Uniform Civil Code a long due promise. The promise is part of the 2019 manifesto and remains unfulfilled like many others.
Prior to the meeting with the Prime Minister, Nadda, Shah, and Santhosh had several meetings in June to discuss changes. During a meeting, Arun Kumar, joint general secretary of the RSS, the BJP’s ideological fountainhead, was in attendance. Kumar reportedly emphasized the need for fresh faces in the organization and government. Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath discussed with the high command in June to discuss potential changes in the state unit.
Inclusion of Poll-Bound State Leaders in the Cabinet: BJP’s Strategy for Electoral Success
In government changes, BJP may assign cabinet roles to leaders from states with upcoming elections, as per sources. In Rajasthan, the party may focus on increasing tribal representation, as it suffered losses in reserved assembly seats in 2018. Furthermore, the BJP may aim to restore caste balance and fulfill regional aspirations by including a leader from eastern Rajasthan. The party may also consider relieving ministers who handle multiple portfolios.
BJP’s Focus on Hindi Heartland States: Key Positions and Strategic Considerations
If a cabinet reshuffle takes place, a member of the Shiv Sena, the BJP’s ally in Maharashtra, may also be accommodated. The ongoing discussions and frequent meetings indicate that the BJP is considering a major overhaul and exploring a broader strategy for the upcoming polls. However, the final decisions on the reshuffle and organizational changes depend on Prime Minister Modi.
The BJP is particularly focused on the Hindi heartland states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, where several crucial assembly elections are scheduled. These states account for 65 Lok Sabha seats, of which 58 are currently held by the BJP. The party is also considering filling key positions, such as the post of Karnataka BJP president and the election in-charge for Uttar Pradesh.
Ministerial Workload and Allies’ Role: Factors Influencing the Potential Reshuffle
In terms of cabinet changes, the party aims to address concerns regarding caste representation, regional aspirations, and the workload of ministers holding multiple portfolios. The BJP leaders have suggested names for potential candidates for state unit chief positions, including Kailash Vijayvargiya, Natendra Singh Tomar, and Prahlad Singh Patel. The changes are expected to be announced before the monsoon session of parliament, which is likely to commence in the third week of July, but the final decision lies with Prime Minister Modi.