BJP plans 2-pronged strategy for assembly polls

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will begin the new year with a two-pronged strategy — strengthening its organisational structure across states and launching an extensive outreach programme in the poll-bound states of West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Assam, and the Union Territory of Puducherry, people familiar with the matter said.

- Smriti Kak Ramachandran

Senior party leaders, who spoke on condition of anonymity, noted that while the party was known for its cadre discipline, there was a renewed focus on streamlining units and ensuring a seamless chain of command in the backdrop of a significant growth in membership over the last decade. The BJP now claims to have 140 million members.

“New state presidents and office bearers are in place in several states, the transition has been from the old guard to newer and younger leaders, and therefore, there is a need to ensure that the sangathan (organisation) is strong and cohesive. In some of the states such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, a rejig in the state cabinet is expected...with all these changes impending, the focus will be on ensuring continuity and coordination,” said a senior party functionary.

The party is also expected to announce the elevation of working president Nitin Nabin to national president after January 15, alongside a new team of national office bearers.