The suggestion given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP of contesting the Lok Sabha due in 2019 ahead of its schedule is highly possible.
BJP and Modi had suggested that as quite a few of the states will be holding the Assembly polls in 2018, the Lok Sabha polls should also be held with it. The Election Commission is thinking about the proposal as according to the rules the elections can be held six months ahead of the set schedule without making any amendments to the Constitution.
However, whether the polls are ahead of time or not BJP has well in advanced started the election campaign ensuring nothing less than victory. While BJP party President Amit Shah is on a tour across the country holding meeting with party leaders, office bearers, and workers to discuss the election strategy and give solutions to problems faced by them during the campaign.
BJP’s joint general secretary Saudhan Singh visited Mumbai a few days back to hold discussions with top party leaders. During 2014 elections BJP had allied with Shiv Sena but is planning to contest the elections alone in 2019. During the discussions, the party felt that it has a huge chance of improving its tally in the polls in the state. According to a BJP party leader, the party had contested on 24 seats and won 23 while the Shiv Sena contested on 20 and got 18. BJP believes that the Sena got 18 seats because they were in an alliance with the party and they won because of the Narendra Modi factor.
After the meeting, the party members are ordered to identify strong candidates who can contest the polls. The criteria set for the candidate is just one, that he should be able to ensure victory for BJP at any cost. The criteria set should be a matter of worry for not just Shiv Sena but also other parties in the state. This also indicates that the party might lure in people from other parties to contest in the BJP symbol if it believes that the seat could be won under his candidature.
However, BJP admits that it will be a difficult and risky task to contest the election alone as there are two more parties, NCP and Congress other that ShivSena in the state. “It might seem difficult but can be done, which is why we have already started working on it by beginning a process to identify the best possible candidates.” said a BJP leader.