Will BJP Replicate UP Strategy in Bengal’s 2026 Assembly Elections?

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is reportedly planning a major shakeup of its West Bengal legislative assembly representation. Insiders suggest that as many as one-third of the party’s sitting MLAs might not be re-nominated for the 2026 elections. This potential move mirrors a similar strategy employed in Uttar Pradesh, where the party prioritized fresh faces and strong candidates.

Winnability a Key Factor in MLA Selection

Sources indicate that the party’s primary focus in selecting candidates will be “winnability.” This suggests a data-driven approach, analyzing each constituency’s political landscape and the potential candidate’s popularity. Beyond just name recognition, the party seems to be prioritizing candidates with a higher probability of securing victory.

Constituency Feedback, Social Media Presence, and Loyalty Under Scrutiny

The BJP’s candidate selection process will also consider crucial factors like feedback from the constituency, the MLA’s track record, including any history of anti-party activities, and their social media presence. This comprehensive evaluation indicates a move towards a more strategic and modern approach to candidate selection. The party appears to be recognizing the growing importance of public perception and online engagement in contemporary politics.