BJP’s Internal Survey Hints at Major Shake-Up: Why 2027 Could See Record Number of Sitting MLAs Dropped in UP.
Party Leadership Eyes Sweeping Changes to Counter Anti-Incumbency and Secure Third Term in Uttar Pradesh
Lucknow, August 16, 2025 – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Uttar Pradesh is gearing up for a significant overhaul ahead of the 2027 assembly elections, with an internal survey revealing plans to potentially drop tickets for up to 100 sitting Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs). This move, described by insiders as a “major shake-up,” aims to address growing public discontent and rebuild voter trust following the party’s underwhelming performance in the recent Lok Sabha polls.
Internal Survey Exposes MLA Shortcomings
The BJP’s internal assessment, initiated in eastern and western Uttar Pradesh and set to expand to regions like Kashi, Braj, Awadh, and Bundelkhand, employs a grading system: Category A for high-performing leaders with strong grassroots connections, Category B for average performers with improvement potential, and Category C for those with poor public image or limited voter influence. Key evaluation criteria include assembly participation, local outreach, and effective use of development funds.
Complaints against MLAs have been mounting, with voters accusing many of remaining aloof from constituency issues, exhibiting rude behavior, and engaging in irregularities such as illegal mining or contract manipulations. A notable incident in Jhansi, where supporters of BJP MLA Rajeev Singh Paricha allegedly assaulted a train passenger in the presence of RSS joint general secretary Arun Kumar, has further fueled the party’s concerns.
A senior BJP leader remarked, “Discontent is also growing among the public against BJP legislators. Complaints are pouring in that many MLAs remain inactive in their constituencies, fail to address even minor grievances of the people, and often behave rudely with voters. Another strategist emphasized, “Winnability is the only criterion. The leadership will not hesitate to change seats or parachute in new faces if that serves the party’s interest.
Scale of the Churn: Up to 100 MLAs at Risk
Early survey results suggest that tickets for nearly 100 of the BJP’s 258 sitting MLAs could be denied, with 70-80 constituencies likely to see entirely new candidates. This figure surpasses previous reshuffles, such as those in 2017 and 2022, where the party strategically replaced incumbents to mitigate anti-incumbency.
The decision is heavily influenced by the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where the BJP’s seats in Uttar Pradesh plummeted from 62 in 2019 to just 33. Party deliberations have concluded that retaining underperformers on 160-180 seats is untenable, prompting a consensus for bold changes. Adjustments for alliance partners, including the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) and Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP), may further necessitate seat swaps, potentially affecting 10-20 additional BJP-held constituencies.
In the 2022 assembly elections, the BJP contested 376 seats and won 255, bolstered by allies like Apna Dal (S) and the Nishad Party. However, shifting alliances and opposition strategies, such as the Samajwadi Party-Congress coordination under the INDIA bloc, have intensified the need for a refreshed lineup.
Reasons Behind the Potential Record Drop
The primary driver is anti-incumbency, exacerbated by internal factionalism between the RSS, BJP organization, and government ministers. Voter morale has dipped since 2022, with specific communities like Dalits and Rajbhars expressing dissatisfaction over controversies involving figures like Lalu Prasad Suman and Karni Sena.
Political commentator Rakesh Tripathi noted, “The BJP is making it clear that it is bigger than individuals. If 100 MLAs are replaced, it will be a message not just to voters but also to party workers — that performance and perception matter above all. The party is also drawing lessons from the Lok Sabha setback, where only 18 of 49 re-nominated MPs succeeded, underscoring the risks of complacency.
To finalize candidates, the BJP plans multi-level surveys involving Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, state president, central leadership, and Home Minister Amit Shah. District panels will propose names, ensuring caste and social balance, with the core committee and high command making the ultimate calls.
Implications for 2027: A High-Stakes Gamble
This shake-up could reshape the BJP’s grassroots structure for years, aiming to present a “clean, disciplined, and effective” team. While it risks internal dissent—a two-term MLA privately admitted, “Even if you work hard, there is no assurance you will be renominated”—party functionaries insist it’s essential for victory.
With opposition forces like the Samajwadi Party’s PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) formula gaining traction, the BJP’s strategy focuses on neutralizing caste alliances and bolstering alliances. RLD may demand 25 seats but settle for 15-20, while SBSP eyes at least 12 in eastern UP. The Nishad Party’s influence has waned post-2024, potentially limiting its share.
A senior functionary warned, “Whoever stands in the way of this mission will be firmly sidelined.”108ca6 If executed, this could secure the BJP’s hat-trick in Uttar Pradesh, but failure to address core issues might amplify voter backlash.
As the survey progresses, all eyes are on whether this bold reset will propel the party to triumph or spark unforeseen turmoil within its ranks.
Author: The India News 24
TIN24 (The India News 24) The India News 24 (TIN24) is a Mumbai-based news Digital Media focusing on breaking news, local and regional issues in India, with content primarily in Marathi. It was established with an X (Twitter) presence since July 2022. Owner & News Editor: Amit Alhat Education: BA in Mass Communication Journalism (Graduate) Experience: 12 years in journalism Platforms: - Website: https://theindianews24.in - X (Twitter): https://x.com/the_indianews24 - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theindianews247 - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theindianews_24
