BJP brainstorms strategy, likely to pick new faces

Chandigarh: As the Haryana State Election Commission finalises preparations for the elections to 27 civic bodies, including the municipal corporations of Gurugram, Faridabad, and Manesar, Haryana BJP has ramped up its efforts.
Key figures, including Union minister Manohar Lal Khattar, chief minister Nayab Singh Saini, and state BJP president Mohan Lal Badoli, are leading the strategy formulation. Khattar chaired the first major meeting in New Delhi, attended by Saini, Badoli, Union ministers Rao Inderjit Singh, Krishan Pal Gujjar, and Rajya Sabha MPs from the state.
Sources said that Badoli and Saini briefed Khattar on the progress regarding the selection of candidates for mayoral positions and presidents of municipal councils expected to go to the polls in Feb.
The BJP has decided to field new, high-profile candidates for these key posts. It is considering prominent faces such as MLAs and district office bearers for the mayoral elections in Gurugram, Faridabad, and Manesar. Additionally, byelections will be held for mayor positions in Ambala and Sonipat following the election of Shakti Rani Sharma and Nikhil Madaan to the Haryana Assembly.
Selection criteria, process
The BJP’s candidate selection will be based on several factors. Apart from gathering feedback from booth-level workers, the party will also consider the performance of potential candidates during past assembly elections.
“Candidates who supported rivals in previous elections or have been inactive in the membership drive may be excluded from consideration,” said a senior party leader.
“The BJP has just begun the selection process, with MLAs set to play an important role in choosing candidates. Senior leaders like Khattar, who played a pivotal role in the assembly elections, will continue to guide the selection process, alongside other MPs,” he added.