Picture for representational purpose only.

LUCKNOW: Gearing up to take on the challenge of SP-BSP combine and neutralise the anti-incumbency factor against its sitting MPs, the BJP is working on a Plan B: To field its 'powerful' ministers in the 2019 Lok Sabha election .

While the SP-BSP alliance is yet to take a formal shape, the BJP is working for all eventualities. As per a senior leader, while its primary motive is to ensure that the two formidable rivals don't forge an alliance, the saffron party is preparing itself for the situation in which it has to face their combined might.

"Besides, the high command has indicated that it won't repeat 50 per cent 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," said the leader.

For this, according to party sources, the party is preparing a list of its powerful ministers who have strong hold over their constituencies. Senior cabinet ministers like Satish Mahana, SP Sahi, Dara Singh Chauhan, SPS Baghel, and also Speaker Hriday Narain Dikshit are some of the names who could 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 issue with development agenda to go to the voters, it will keep its focus on strong candidates who could deliver," says an analyst.

However, Gorakhpur seats remains the biggest dilemma for the ruling party. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has represented it five time. But the SP-BSP combine snatched it in the bypoll early this year. The BJP had fielded a candidate from outside Goraksh Peeth after 33 years. But voters showed their reluctance.

