UP BJP MLAs to meet on March 18; may elect their leader

Newly elected UP BJP MLAs are going to meet on March 18 and would likely to elect their legislature party leader, a week after the party won the assembly elections with three-fourth majority.   

"Party's central observers - Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu and national general secretary Bhupendra Yadav - will be present at the meeting on Saturday at 5 PM," UP BJP General Secretary Vijay Bahadur Pathak told.   

Asked specifically as to whether there was any likelihood of an election for the post of the leader of the Legislature Party, Pathak avoided a direct reply, saying, "I can't say."   

With various pros and cons weighing heavily on their mind, BJP top brass has kept pending the decision on the next Chief Minister despite winning 325 seats along with its allies in the 403-member House.   

Sources said the party was extra cautious as it does not want to take one wrong step when it comes to Uttar Pradesh, where it stormed to power after a 14-year hiatus. 

Moreover with the next Lok Sabha election in 2019 in mind, the party cannot afford to take any wrong decision, said some insiders when asked about the delay in declaring the CM'sname.   

After a stupendous win in the Assembly election, the party can ill afford to lower its guard in 2019 general elections.   

Uttar Pradesh sends 80 MPs to Lok Sabha and is extremely important in the BJP's scheme of things.   

Party insiders said the overwhelming mandate has posed afresh challenge for the BJP to meet sky-high expectations.    Earlier, the party's observers for Uttar Pradesh were expected to reach Lucknow on March 15 and the meeting with newly elected MLAs was said to be likely on March 16. 

Also Read: Suspense continues over BJP CM's name in UP, Uttarakhand; party forms govts in Manipur and Goa