Lesson learnt from Bihar: BJP to opt Smriti Irani's face as CM nominee in UP election

The rout in Bihar assembly election has forced BJP to consider and plan a new strategy for Utter Pradesh (UP) assembly election scheduled to be held in 2017.

According to a BJP source, Union HRD minister Smriti Irani might be the face of Party in coming assembly election. She is among a few, whose names are doing rounds. Considering the BJP’s Bihar debacle, reining of UP election is important for party’s future and that of Modi government at the Centre. The party has to increase its strength urgently at Rajya Sabha to give a push to its big-ticket reforms. The numbers in the Rajya Sabha can only be increased by the majority in State assemblies.

Sources aware of the developments taking place fast in the party especially after the Bihar drubbing said, “Irani’s name has been finalized to lead the forthcoming UP poll is almost confirmed, as parent organisation RSS has also given its consent to go ahead with the new strategy as it will serve two purpose for the party.

It will be a befitting reply to those who repeatedly asked questions about Chief Ministerial candidate and Irani as an orator and dexterous leader will steer the campaign in the right direction. In Bihar election, leaders of Mahagathbandhan used to taunt NDA alliance for not naming its candidate for the coveted post of Chief Minister.

Smriti Irani is amongst the firebrand leaders of BJP, who loves to lock horns with the opposition leaders especially if the leader belongs to Nehru-Gandhi dynasty. However, her name is sufficient to create ripples among oppositions in the state as well. “Her oratory skill is magnificent. She could face all odd questions and situation dexterously” said a local leader UP Singh of Allahabad.

“Party in the state is trying to have its own office in each district” said another leader of UP unit. On the directions of Central leadership, the party is trying to purchase land in each district to build its own office. In fact, in some districts units have closed land purchase deals and building process will start in coming days. In remaining district talks with interested parties are in advanced stage. By mid of next year, the party will have own offices in each district of the state.