Big BJP reshuffle in UP: Sitting MLAs face uncertainty as MLCs eye Assembly seats

The BJP is weighing a major change in its candidate-selection strategy for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, with a large number of sitting Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs) likely to be considered for Assembly tickets. The party may also drop several sitting MLAs as it looks to refresh its line-up ahead of the crucial electoral contest, sources told CNN-News18 on Wednesday.

According to senior BJP sources, the party's central leadership has asked MLCs to start identifying constituencies where they have a strong chance of winning. The exercise is part of its early preparations for the 2027 elections.

“The leadership has asked MLCs to be prepared for assembly elections and identify constituencies where they have a strong chance of winning. The party is looking at several options, and a majority of its MLCs could be fielded," a top BJP source told CNN-News18.

Keshav Maurya, Swatantra Dev Singh among possible contenders

Several prominent leaders currently serving as MLCs could enter the electoral contest if the proposed strategy goes ahead. The names under consideration include Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, senior minister AK Sharma, Swatantra Dev Singh and Dara Singh Chauhan.

Former BJP state president Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary is also among the senior leaders who could be considered for Assembly tickets. However, the final decision will depend on the party's assessment of individual constituencies and candidates.

BJP may drop several sitting MLAs

The proposed reshuffle could also affect a significant number of sitting BJP MLAs, with the leadership examining their electoral prospects ahead of the polls.

Sources said the party is assessing constituency-level feedback, local political equations and the performance of incumbent legislators. Caste calculations, the strength of local leadership and anti-incumbency are also expected to influence candidate selection.

The exercise could give experienced organisational leaders and senior ministers an opportunity to contest Assembly elections while allowing the party to introduce fresh faces in constituencies where sitting legislators may face electoral challenges.

Final decision rests with BJP central leadership

The proposed changes are still at the internal discussion stage. The BJP has not officially announced its candidate-selection strategy or confirmed how many MLCs could be fielded.

The final decision on tickets, including the extent of changes among sitting MLAs, will rest with the party's central leadership as preparations for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections gather pace.