Tweaks In BJP's UP Seat Strategy Follow Rash Of Defections

While the BJP has declared 107 candidates for the 403-seat assembly that begin voting in seven phases starting February 10 with results on March 10, discussions are still underway for others.

With just a few weeks to go for the Uttar Pradesh elections, the ruling BJP is busy making changes to its seat distribution strategy - being more generous with its allies as well as incumbent legislators than earlier planned, sources in the party have said.

While it has announced 107 candidates for the 403-seat assembly, discussions are still underway for others. UP votes in seven phases starting February 10 with results on March 10.

The BJP, which had earlier planned to drop as many as 100-150 MLAs, now finds itself in a spot after a string of defections led by former minister SP Maurya that has seen two more ministers and a clutch of MLAs switch sides to its main challenger Samajwadi Party.

Sources say it is unlikely the BJP will drop more than 30 to 50 MLAs even though multiple surveys by the party had suggested a need for a wider purge to tackle resentment against some and anti-incumbency sentiments.