Last Updated:
As per sources, the possibility of holding elections ahead of schedule is being discussed because the Census and polling process would require many of the same personnel.
BJP Readies for Possible Early Elections in Four States
Elections 2027: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has directed its units in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Goa to step up their election preparations amid indications that Assembly polls in the states could be scheduled before time to avoid clashing with the Census enumeration exercise scheduled for February 2027, media reports said citing sources.
The BJP is keeping a close watch on Manipur, the fifth state that was scheduled to to the polls with the remaining states early next year. However given that the state has been rocked by sporadic instances of violence—first by the Kuki-Meitei clashes in 2023 and now a flare-up in Kuki-Naga clashes in recent months—elections maybe held at a later date.
As per sources, the possibility of holding elections a few weeks or months ahead of schedule is being discussed because the Census and polling process would require many of the same personnel, including teachers and government employees.
A senior BJP functionary said concerns over manpower shortages have prompted discussions on adjusting the election calendar in the poll-bound states. The second phase of the Census, which includes population and caste enumeration, is scheduled to begin in February 2027.
Sources said the core groups in all the poll-bound states had been asked to expedite their electoral preparedness. While BJP sources in UP, Goa, and Punjab indicated that the elections could be advanced by a few weeks to avoid the logistical challenges of the Census — the manpower involved in both exercises is largely the same — the Uttarakhand BJP is learnt to be in favour of the polls being advanced even further.
In Uttar Pradesh, where the BJP is aiming for a third consecutive term, party leaders believe the organisation is prepared even if elections are held earlier than expected. Similar preparations are underway in Goa and Punjab, while the Uttarakhand unit is reportedly in favour of a more substantial advancement of the election schedule.
Punjab has also witnessed speculation about early elections, with Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal recently suggesting that polls could be held before their expected schedule.
BJP sources said the Congress, which will be a key player in all these states except UP, “has received a shot in the arm from developments in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka” and if the polls are advanced the Opposition party would not have much time to prepare for these elections and that would work to the BJP’s advantage.
About the Author
Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degre…Read More
Read More
