The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched an ambitious internal review of its sitting MLAs in Uttar Pradesh, signaling a possible large-scale reshuffle before the 2027 assembly elections. Party sources reveal that around 100 sitting legislators could be denied tickets, with 70 to 80 constituencies likely to witness brand-new faces.
Discontent against several BJP MLAs has been mounting, both among the public and within the party. Complaints range from neglect of local grievances and arrogant behavior towards voters to alleged involvement in illegal sand, morang and stone mining contracts. A senior leader in Lucknow admitted, “The leadership is receiving strong feedback that many legislators have become inactive, disconnected and, in some cases, liabilities.”
The urgency of this exercise stems from BJP’s disappointing performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where its UP tally fell from 62 seats in 2019 to just 33. Determined to avoid a repeat, the party has decided that performance, public connect and credibility—not seniority—will decide tickets.
Adding to the crisis, BJP MLA Rajeev Singh Paricha from Jhansi hit headlines recently after his supporters allegedly assaulted a train passenger in full public view. The controversy deepened when it emerged that RSS joint general secretary Arun Kumar personally witnessed the incident, triggering alarm in both state and central leadership.
The survey process, which has already begun in eastern and western UP, will gradually expand to Kashi, Braj and Awadh regions. Legislators are being graded into three categories:
Category A: Popular leaders with strong grassroots presence.
Category B: Average performers with room for improvement.
Category C: Weak or unpopular MLAs facing negative public perception.
Utilisation of development funds, accessibility to voters, and personal image will all play decisive roles. Candidate selection will follow a new layered process—district presidents, in-charges and MPs will propose three names per seat, regional leaders will shortlist, and the state unit will finalize with caste and regional balance in mind.
One senior functionary explained, “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.”
