Considering the possibility of delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies, Bharatiya Janata Party has decided to decentralise powers, abolish Assembly constituency-wise mandals and create mandals of 100 booths each. In recently-concluded elections in Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra and in some other states where party registered victory, the strategy of working in small groups worked well. In Maharashtra, the restructuring of the party will begin from Vidarbha. On Thursday, meetings will be conducted to chalk out the format, election of presidents and other office-bearers. At present, BJP is functioning through its Assembly constituency-wise Mandal system. At present, there are six mandals--South West, West, North, East, Central and South.

 

Each mandal used to have 400 or 500 booths. Now these Assembly constituency-wise mandals will be replaced by a system of 100 booths- a mandal. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) works in the same way because it believes in decentralisation of the powers and small groups work in a better manner. In recently concluded Maharashtra Assembly polls, RSS volunteers worked with disciplined and in planned manner. According to one senior BJP functionary, RSS’s style of working worked well in Maharashtra State Assembly polls in 2024 that led to BJP winning 232 seats. It was admitted by BJP on several forums.

 

The thought of organisational restructuring was under consideration. BJP always formulates plans, which would help it in future. For example, in next two years, the Assembly constituencies of Nagpur are likely to increase to 9 from six. If the party continues with the mandal system, then it would be difficult for the President to execute the work. Now as per new system, one constituency will roughly have four mandals. It means BJP will work in 24 mandals in the city. Party will find it easy as far as assigning work is concerned, pointed out this BJP functionary. There are approximately 90,000 polling booths in Maharashtra, while the number of booths in Vidarbha roughly are 25,000 booths. For every polling booth, the BJP would have 10-12 member committee, headed by its President. This particular change will percolate till State level though the restructuring will be done at Vidarbha level first.

 

The system was introduced in consultation with the district core committees, MPs and MLAs. During the regime of Devendra Fadnavis as Deputy Chief Minister, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh leaders and Bharatiya Janata Party leaders met for a two-day conclave in Mumbai. The thought of restructuring the organisation came up for discussion during that time.