With assembly elections over in a host of states, speculation is rising within the BJP about the impending organizational shake-up that may also include changes in the Union government.
According to people familiar with the developments, a reorganization is likely to take place in both the party and the government after newly appointed BJP president Nitin Nabeen announced his new team.
The BJP, which relied on allies – especially the Janata Dal (United) and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) – to form the government at the Center after failing to achieve a majority on its own, has yet to start discussions with its partners in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on the possibility of appointing additional cabinet posts, people familiar with the matter said.
Changes are expected in the Union government as there has been no expansion or cabinet reshuffle since the government was sworn in for a third consecutive term on June 9, 2024.
The Cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and scheduled for May 21, has increased speculation about possible changes. “The Cabinet meets at regular intervals. Currently, the country is dealing with a set of challenges resulting from external factors (the Middle East crisis), so such a meeting is not unusual,” a government official said.
Party leaders said the organizational shake-up will be closely monitored as the BJP prepares for the next round of electoral battles, including the 2027 Lok Sabha elections, the Presidential elections and the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. “There is a possibility that some senior leaders who are Union ministers or have been in key positions like state presidents or ministers, will be given important organizational posts to strengthen the party ahead of the crucial elections in 2029,” a senior party leader said, on condition of anonymity. Opinion on states like Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, which also require strong leadership and smart planning.”
In 2027, the BJP will face elections in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat. The party is already in power in five of these states and is looking to make gains in Punjab, where it is no longer allied with the Shiromani Akali Dal and is preparing for direct competition with the ruling Aam Aadmi Party.
“There is a possibility that the Union Cabinet and the national team will include faces from the poll-bound states as well as from the five states where the elections have just concluded. As the party is already planning for the next decade, young leaders, women and some professionals will also be included,” the leader quoted above said.
Nabin, 45, who became the youngest BJP president in January, is expected to strike a balance between experienced leaders and younger faces in his new team.
Regarding ministers likely to return to organizational work, another party leader said: “A few ministers who have crossed a certain age group or whose terms in the Rajya Sabha are ending could be given party roles. Evaluation of ministers is the prerogative of the Prime Minister and hence it will be his decision.”
