The traditional aspect of ‘rewarding’ key players has become less of an SOP since a relatively unknown outside Gorakhpur was selected ex-post by BJP as Uttar Pradesh CM in 2017. In effect, BJP’s choice of CMs has been about signalling – aligned to both the broader aspect of firming up Brand Modi BJP, as well as the narrower tinkerings of identity politics. Thus, the ‘regulation tailoring’ along caste/tribal lines could come into play in the three heartland states. Keeping not just 2024 in mind but well beyond is the continued emphasis on BJP establishing itself as an avant-garde – advanced guard – organisation, constantly replenishing its stocks and, in contrast to the Not-So-Grand Old Party, rejecting elements of the ancien regime.
That is the idea of signalling. But selecting CMs – and a more democratic intra-party selection from the state level could be considered – is about maximising the efficacy of execution of the schemes and policies of a Modi administration in its ‘state branches’. For that purpose, choosing CMs, even from a central ministerial pool, is an exercise of culling, sowing and reaping for continued bumper crops.
