Newly appointed BJP chief Nitin Nibein has his work cut out for him as he prepares to lead the party through a significant electoral challenge in the coming months. With elections approaching in five states—West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry—Nibein’s initial steps will serve as a critical test of his leadership. The party’s primary focus is on West Bengal, where it faces off against the ruling Trinamool Congress led by Mamata Banerjee, and securing a foothold in the state is seen as a formidable task.
The BJP is determined to challenge the Trinamool Congress, which has held power for over 15 years, and aims to make significant inroads into the 294-seat Bengal assembly, where the Trinamool currently holds 223 seats compared to the BJP’s 65. Political analysts suggest that reaching the majority mark of 150 seats will be a tough challenge for the party, especially after experiencing a decline in their seat count in the recent Lok Sabha elections.
In the 2019 elections, the BJP secured 18 seats in Bengal, but that number dropped to 12 in the last campaign, while the Trinamool increased its tally from 22 to 27 seats. With a significant population of Bihari migrants in urban areas like Kolkata, Nibein is expected to target these voters to bolster the party’s support. His strategy will likely involve extensive outreach on issues such as national security, livelihoods, and migration, alongside increasing the party’s support among rural voters.
In Tamil Nadu, the BJP has set its sights on gaining a foothold in a state historically dominated by regional parties. The new president plans to address issues related to corruption in the DMK government and its failures in education and employment sectors as part of his campaign strategy. Since the party lacks the means to win outright, forming alliances with smaller parties such as the AIADMK will be crucial in expanding their voter base.
Nibein has already identified approximately 65 assembly seats where the party stands a chance of winning out of the total 234. Discussions for electoral alliances with AIADMK are expected to commence within the week. Additionally, to attract OBCs, Dalits, youth, and women, he plans to focus on grassroots organization, strengthening booth-level cadres, and conducting campaigns in local languages on social media.
In Kerala, the BJP has launched an ambitious plan dubbed “Mission 2026” with the goal of emerging as a third alternative power against the LDF and UDF. Recent local body elections, particularly a historic victory in the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation, have injected new enthusiasm into the party, breaking a 45-year stronghold of the LDF. This win is seen as a foundation for the upcoming assembly elections.
As the party gears up for the electoral battles ahead, Nibein’s leadership will be pivotal in reshaping the BJP’s strategy across these states. With a focus on direct voter engagement and grassroots mobilization, he aims to navigate the entrenched political landscapes of West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, which present unique challenges for the BJP’s expansion ambitions.
