Looking at that the internal conflicts and issues brewing inside the party and foreseeing the repercussions, the BJP high command has started closely overseeing the Chief Ministers in the states the party is in power. This move is intended to address and resolve discontent among party workers and reinvigorate their efforts. In the two-day review session with Chief Ministers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is believed to have reprimanded some of the CMs. The most widely discussed aspect of the meeting is Modi’s display of anger. There are certain underlying reasons for the approach that has been adopted by the high command. Firstly, if a Chief Minister focuses more on personal branding than on party interests and supports people who harm the party, they should be reprimanded. The party often loses even small elections, like by-elections, in such cases.
In Uttar Pradesh, leaders were urged to unite and concentrate on by-elections. At the same time, strict orders were given to a few Chief Ministers from other states. Outside of Uttar Pradesh, no other Chief Minister can win elections on their own; the party relies mostly on Prime Minister Modi for success.
The other reason is that the results of 2024 Lok Sabha elections and by- elections were least expected and shocking. According to sources, organisational changes within the party may be on the cards. However, any decision to replace Chief Ministers in one or two states is likely to be made only after the elections in three states are completed.
In the meantime, all Chief Ministers have been instructed to concentrate on the upcoming by-elections. Key by-elections are scheduled in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan.
Another issue for the high command is the emergence of internal conflicts in several states following recent defeats. The opposition has also seized on these internal conflicts. Crucially, in some states, party leaders themselves have used their influence to undermine their own candidates. Reports of such sabotage have emerged from Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, and Haryana. In Uttarakhand, there are specific allegations of attempts to sabotage candidates in seats like Garhwal, Tehri, and Haridwar.
In the Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Modi’s popularity helped secure the seats in Uttarakhand, but losses elsewhere prevented the party from achieving a majority. As a result, the party has been holding a series of meetings, and the Sangh has also become more active.
The Prime Minister specifically addressed Chief Ministers who faced complaints about irregularities. Sources said the Centre will closely monitor these reprimanded Chief Ministers, aiming for better coordination between the organisation and the government, with a focus on prioritising party workers.