Will BJP's Loss in Lok Sabha Elections Impact Some Chief Ministers and State Presidents?

The BJP is still reeling from its subpar performance in several states during the Lok Sabha elections. Recent state assembly by-election results have only exacerbated the party's concerns. The BJP remains troubled by the outcomes in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana. Had these states delivered results similar to 2014 and 2019, the BJP would have secured an absolute majority in the Lok Sabha, eliminating the need for reliance on NDA allies. Consequently, some Chief Ministers and State Presidents in BJP-ruled states may face repercussions.

The BJP, distressed by the Lok Sabha results, is gearing up for an internal review and analysis. In line with this, the party has scheduled a significant meeting for all its Chief Ministers and Deputy Chief Ministers at the end of July. This crucial gathering is set to take place in New Delhi on July 27 and 28. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and BJP National President JP Nadda are expected to attend. The meeting will involve a detailed discussion on the Lok Sabha election results and feedback on the implementation of central and state welfare schemes.

According to reliable sources, coordination between state governments, state BJP organizations, and the central leadership will be a key agenda item. Following the BJP's poor performance in Uttar Pradesh during the Lok Sabha elections, there were discussions about potential discord between the state organization and the government. Amidst these talks, JP Nadda summoned Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya and state BJP President Bhupendra Chaudhary to New Delhi. Prior to this, a meeting of the Uttar Pradesh BJP Executive Committee was held in Lucknow, where Maurya emphasized that the party organization is paramount and should be respected by all ministers and representatives.

During this time, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath acknowledged that overconfidence had led to the BJP's losses in the Lok Sabha elections. He noted that while the percentage of votes received in 2024 was consistent with previous elections, shifts in voting patterns and overconfidence had resulted in setbacks. Following this, Maurya and Chaudhary met with senior party leaders in Delhi.

In Rajasthan, unlike the 2014 and 2019 elections, the BJP did not win all 25 seats and faced defeat in 11. An internal review was conducted, and a report on the reasons for the loss was sent to the top leadership. The resignation of Dr. Kirodi Lal Meena from the Bhajan Lal Cabinet added to the party's challenges. In Haryana, the BJP lost five out of ten seats, with the party troubled by the alienation of Jat, Gujjar, Rajput, and OBC voters.

The BJP's main concern now lies in the upcoming elections in five states and the vacant assembly seats. If the party fails to achieve significant success, underperforming state leaders will likely face consequences, prompting the BJP to revamp its leadership and organization.

The question remains: will the BJP's losses in the Lok Sabha elections result in consequences for some Chief Ministers and state BJP Presidents?