The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Uttar Pradesh has kicked off an extensive internal survey of its sitting MLAs, a move widely seen as preparation for large-scale ticket rejigging ahead of the 2027 assembly elections. Party insiders say as many as 100 legislators may be denied tickets, with 70–80 constituencies expected to see entirely new candidates.
A senior BJP leader told this reporter that 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. Allegations of illegal sand, morang and stone mining, along with irregularities in contracts and leases, have also reached corridors of power from Lucknow to Delhi.
Jhansi train assault incident adds to controversy
Recently, in Jhansi, supporters of BJP MLA Rajeev Singh Paricha were accused of assaulting a passenger on a train. What made the incident more serious was that RSS joint general secretary Arun Kumar, who plays a key role in coordination between the BJP, the Sangh and the government, witnessed the assault live.
Learning lessons from the recent Lok Sabha elections, where the party's tally came down to 33 from 62 in 2019, the BJP is preparing for a major shake-up in ticket distribution for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls. According to party insiders, the leadership will not shy away from denying tickets to sitting legislators if they are seen as obstacles to the party’s goal of returning to power.
MLAs categorised as A, B and C based on performance
The evaluation, beginning with eastern and western UP, will later extend to Kashi, Braj, Awadh and other regions. MLAs are being placed into three categories: A for popular leaders with strong grassroots presence, B for average performers with room for improvement, and C for those with weak influence or negative public perception. Utilisation of development funds will also be a key metric.
A senior BJP functionary said, “The exercise is meant to ensure that 2027 is not fought on complacency. The leadership wants winnability, performance and public connect to be the only yardsticks.”
New candidate selection norms to ensure accountability
The process also involves reworking candidate selection norms. Based on survey reports, district presidents, district in-charges and MPs will propose three names per seat, while regional presidents will finalise a panel. The state leadership will then decide keeping caste balance and local equations in mind.
Political observers believe this exercise echoes the BJP’s 2022 strategy, when several sitting MLAs were dropped to counter anti-incumbency. “The message is clear: no MLA’s ticket is guaranteed. This not only keeps legislators on their toes but also allows the party to refresh its image at the grassroots,” said political analyst Prof. Rakesh Tripathi.
Legislators anxious as tickets no longer guaranteed
For many legislators, however, the survey has triggered anxiety. One two-term BJP MLA admitted privately, “Even if you work hard, there is no assurance you will be renominated. The ground survey and perception matter more than individual effort.”
Leadership aims for clean and disciplined 2027 team
Party insiders insist the churn is essential. “Winnability will decide everything. We cannot carry liabilities into 2027, especially when the opposition is expected to contest united,” a senior strategist added.
With Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the central leadership keen on a “clean, disciplined, and effective” team for 2027, the internal survey is likely to be one of the most significant shake-ups in recent years.
