Shanker Arnimesh

Jharkhand is going to polls in November. The state's ex-CM and BJP president dismisses claims that he's party's CM face, adds that these elections are about 'saving Jharkhand'.

Amit Shah has become key troubleshooter in state, ordering peace among Mahayuti allies, formulating assembly poll strategy, engaging in seat-sharing talks & asking cadres to take heart.

Tickets to Champai Soren & his son, Raghubar Das's daughter-in-law & Arjun Munda's wife have especially sparked protests within BJP. Former minister Louis Marandi among latest to defect.

BJP has achieved target faster than in 2014 when membership drive went on several months to reach 11 crore. UP & MP biggest contributors this time, accounting for 2 crore new members.

Many leaders have defected to JMM or announced independent candidature after being denied tickets. BJP is working hard to bring them around to avoid split in anti-incumbency vote.

BJP chose football buff & ex-teacher to fight against CM at JMM stronghold in Jharkhand. Hembrom had fought on AJSU ticket last election & lost poorly to Soren.

A domicile policy with 1932 as cut-off year has been a sensitive issue. Party maintains ambiguity to avoid polarisation of tribals & to keep its base of non-tribal voters intact.

JP Nadda has visited Bihar thrice in 2 months. Party leaders from both sides say, given the high stakes, there has been a significant shift in BJP's strategy in dealing with JD(U).

Mahtab, a freedom fighter, social reformer & Gandhian, is considered an architect of modern Odisha who helped shape Odia asmita (pride). His son, Bhartruhari Mahtab, is now a BJP MP.

Meena's foray into politics began in 2003 when he was elected as general secretary of Rajasthan University Students' Union. Fondly called ‘Chhota Kirodi' by his supporters.