DNA Edit: Mission 2019 - BJP is relentless in its quest for victory

Stung by the reversal of fortunes in the latest round of assembly elections, the BJP top brass has realised that it needs to up the game if it wants to emerge triumphant in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

The odds are stacking up slowly and steadily for BJP President Amit Shah as he takes a fresh look at Ajey BJP, the juggernaut of a campaign. For Shah, the party has to rev up its performance in key states such as Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Bihar and Rajasthan.

The BJP had registered sweeping victories in these states in 2014. This time around, repeating such results will prove to be a bit challenging. Shah has set a daunting target — 300-plus seats — and the party organisations in BJP strongholds have to push the envelope to match up to Shah’s expectations.

In Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is trying to expand BJP’s base by attracting 50 lakh voters into its fold through sports initiatives. The BJP’s biggest strength is its people’s connect built through grass roots engagements.

The RSS, which commands a vast army of dedicated foot soldiers, is an invaluable asset for the political party. Let’s not forget that as the ruling party, the BJP has access to considerable resources. While the party will capitalise on the twin planks of development and governance, it will review its strength and weaknesses at the village and district levels to firm up its organisational muscle.

Urban local bodies too will have to do their bit to ensure that the tempo of campaign is sustained in cities. Booth management is integral to this elaborate apparatus. The Congress may have made some headway in a few states but the 2019 polls will be a different ballgame altogether.