The BJP is preparing for the Bihar assembly elections, with reports indicating a strategy to replace approximately 30% of its candidates. This decision is part of a larger effort to reassess its approach, taking into account local surveys, ground-level feedback, and the performance of current representatives, while also considering factors like age and addressing anti-incumbency challenges. Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister, is scheduled to begin his tour of the state on September 18.
As part of this overhaul, the BJP is considering the removal of tickets for around 15-20 sitting MLAs, along with the decision not to renominate the 13 candidates who lost in the 2020 elections. This could lead to a significant shift, potentially introducing new faces in 30-35% of the constituencies. The party is focused on fielding younger candidates with a clean image to counteract anti-incumbency. The ticket allocation will be based on multiple factors and a detailed review of each constituency.
The party is emphasizing its focus on selecting candidates who have a high probability of winning. The goal is to prioritize candidates who can deliver victory, focusing on factors such as age, performance, and activity levels. The party is conducting thorough evaluations for each constituency, seeking recommendations and scrutinizing past election results and feedback from organizational leaders. The upcoming visits by Amit Shah, who will lead regional meetings, will include discussions on electoral strategies, potential candidates, and zonal organizational structures.