A search has begun in the BJP for “youthful leaders” for its Uttar Pradesh unit ahead of the 2014 general elections. The party strategists, it is learnt, have realised that neither Ram Mandir nor the OBC card can help the party revive in this most populous state unless it projects youth leaders. The state is currently ruled by the Samajwadi Party government, which is headed by Akhilesh Yadav, a youth icon. Sources disclosed that after facing a humiliating defeat in UP for the third time in a row in the recently-concluded Assembly polls, the party strategists have realised that its senior leaders are lacking fire and therefore it wants to reorganise its UP unit by giving major responsibilities to young leaders. Some of the senior BJP leaders, including its UP unit chief, lost the Assembly polls. Sources said the party central leadership is also wary of the Congress young turks, led by Rahul Gandhi, which it feels might pose a threat in the Lok Sabha polls.
A majority section within the party and its cadre want that an age limit of 50 years be fixed for leaders to hold important posts in the state unit.
Sources disclosed the BJP leadership has asked its cadre to suggest names of young leaders who can take charge from the senior leaders. They have been asked that these young leaders should not be associated or identified with any of the factions.
“...unfortunately UP (unit) is dominated by senior leaders who failed to manage votes for themselves, leave alone the party. It’s high time that we bring some young leaders as they can bring new ideas and visions for the party,” said a senior party functionary.
Party sources said the Central leadership has also sought an Assembly-wise assessment reports of the party’s performance, including reasons of its dismal performance. These reports are likely to be compiled by March 30 and a meeting of BJP leaders, including some of the Central leaders, is scheduled for April 4. Sources disclosed, even the RSS wants the BJP to chalk out a future roadmap for the state at the earliest.