For BJP's Amit Shah, 2016 to be a year of challenges

NEW DELHI: Amit Shah, all set for re-election as Bharatiya Janata Party president later this month, is no stranger to tough political challenges. But 2016 may yet showcase the toughest challenges for this experienced political manager.

BJP, gearing up for Assam, where it is a major contender, is looking at lessons from the two defeats in Delhi and Bihar. The party underwent a radical organisational transformation to earn a famous general election victory after two national defeats. Amit Shah was a critical part of the change. To recover its electoral mojo, BJP must contemplate another big change after two major state defeats. And Amit Shah will again be a critical part of that process.

Shah’s great asset as he reassesses strategy, tactic and style is his keen understanding of his de facto boss, the prime minister. As a senior BJP leader close to RSS says: “No one understands Modiji’s style of functioning better than Amit Shah.”

However, key party leaders who support Shah also agree that as party chief he has to contend with some knotty questions. First, whether and to what extend should he change his leadership style. Second, how will he reinvigorate the party cadre. Third, how will he intervene in the moderate versus hardline debate.

Fourth, how will he manage a restive Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Fifth, how will he reengage with senior leaders and contain potential damage from embittered past leaders, a.k.a. margdarshaks. ET spoke to many BJP and RSS leaders as well as state-level party heavyweights to understand how the party and its president are planning the strategy.