Daijiworld Media Network - Dehradun
Dehradun, Feb 1: In a significant strategic move aimed at tackling anti-incumbency, the Bharatiya Janata Party’s central leadership has sent a clear message to ministers in Uttarakhand — perform in your existing constituencies or risk being dropped.
The BJP has formally barred “seat-hopping”, making it clear that no minister will be allowed to shift to a perceived safer constituency in the upcoming assembly elections. The decision is part of the party’s groundwork to secure a third consecutive term in the hill state.
By forcing ministers to contest from their current seats, the leadership intends to make them directly accountable for development and governance in their respective areas. Party leaders believe that frequent seat changes weaken organisational strength and alienate voters.
BJP state spokesperson and senior MLA Vinod Chamoli said the party is well aware of the damage caused when ministers abandon their constituencies. “When an MLA becomes a minister and then looks for another seat to escape local resentment, it demoralises voters and party workers alike. It puts the new candidate at a disadvantage and creates resentment among grassroots workers. The party considers this a double loss,” he said.
To ensure an objective assessment, the central leadership is set to conduct an internal survey that will act as a performance report card for ministers. The survey will evaluate their public image and the tangible benefits delivered through their portfolios. Party sources said strict benchmarks will be applied while finalising tickets.
The warning extends beyond the cabinet. Newly appointed state BJP chief Nitin Nabin has indicated that poor performance will not be tolerated. Sitting MLAs have been given a one-year window to show visible improvement or face replacement by new candidates.
The political situation in Uttarakhand adds to the challenge. Of the 12 ministerial posts allowed under the Constitution, five are currently vacant. The Pushkar Singh Dhami government is functioning with just six cabinet ministers following the death of Chandan Ram Das and the removal of Premchand Agarwal.
The cabinet’s composition has also drawn attention, with several senior ministers — including Satpal Maharaj, Rekha Arya, Subodh Uniyal and Saurabh Bahuguna — having a Congress background, while only Ganesh Joshi and Dr Dhan Singh Rawat are from the BJP’s core ideological base.
Political analyst Avikal Thapliyal said Chief Minister Dhami faces a difficult task ahead. “With barely a year left for the 2027 polls, restructuring the cabinet will be tough. Between disaster management during monsoons and the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, the time for governance is limited. Anti-incumbency after a decade in power will be a major hurdle the BJP must overcome,” he said.