LUCKNOW: Gearing up to take on the challenge of the SP-BSP combine and neutralise the anti-incumbency factor against its sitting MPs, BJP is working on fielding its "powerful" ministers in the Uttar Pradesh government in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.While an SP-BSP alliance is yet to take formal shape, BJP is preparing for all eventualities. According to a senior leader, while its primary motive is to ensure that the two formidable rivals don't ally, the saffron party is preparing for a situation in which it has to face their combined might."Besides, the high command has indicated that it won't repeat 50% of the candidates who had taken the party's tally to 71. Therefore, it will need strong winnable candidates so that its tally from the state doesn't get affected. A good haul from UP is key to NDA's return to power," says the leader.For this, according to party sources, the party is preparing a list of its powerful ministers who have a strong hold over their constituencies. Senior cabinet ministers like Satish Mahana, S P Sahi, Dara Singh Chauhan, S P S Baghel, and also Speaker Hriday Narain Dikshit are some of those who might be seen contesting the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, they say, adding "many of them have been sounded". "While the party is preparing a plan to mix emotive issues with a development agenda to go to the voters, it will keep its focus on strong candidates who can deliver," says an analyst. However, Gorakhpur seat remains the biggest dilemma for BJP. Chief minister Yogi Adityanath has represented it five times. But the SP-BSP combine snatched it away in the bypoll early this year when the BJP had fielded a candidate from outside, Goraksh Peeth, after 33 years.

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