The Bharatiya Janata Party has launched its “One Booth, Ten Youth” campaign in Uttar Pradesh, aiming to recruit 1.6 million young members ahead of the 2025 Panchayat and 2027 Assembly elections. Learn about its strategy, political context, and potential impact.

Introduction

The BJP has unveiled a massive youth mobilisation initiative in Uttar Pradesh, targeting first-time voters and aspiring political workers ahead of the 2025 Panchayat polls and 2027 Legislative Assembly elections. Named “One Booth, Ten Youth”, the drive aims to add over 1.6 million young members to the BJP’s grassroots network — one of the largest youth-focused political campaigns in the state’s history.

Why Uttar Pradesh Matters

As India’s most populous state, Uttar Pradesh holds 80 Lok Sabha seats, making it a key battleground in national politics. Historically, electoral fortunes in the state can shift rapidly, especially if youth voter engagement declines.

According to the Election Commission of India, the 2024 voter list added over 2.3 million young voters in UP alone — a decisive demographic for multiple constituencies. Recognising this, the BJP has designed the enrolment drive as both an outreach and training programme to strengthen booth-level management.

Campaign Structure and Strategy

1. Identification and Outreach

Party workers will identify potential young members through voter lists, colleges, coaching institutes, and social gatherings.

2. Digital and On-Ground Registration

A dedicated mobile app has been launched for online membership, alongside offline registration camps in panchayat offices, markets, and universities.

3. Training and Integration

New members will attend workshops on BJP ideology, Indian election laws, booth management, and social media campaigning.

The campaign is being monitored by Bhupendra Chaudhary and Sunil Bansal, with virtual addresses expected from Narendra Modi and Amit Shah.

Political Context

With rivals like the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Indian National Congress also ramping up youth outreach, BJP’s move is seen as a pre-emptive strike to consolidate young voters.

The strategy complements BJP’s Panna Pramukh model, ensuring consistent communication with voters at every booth.

Opposition Reactions

• SP criticised the campaign as “political indoctrination” and highlighted issues like unemployment.

• Congress raised concerns over data privacy in BJP’s membership app and alleged possible political pressure on youth voters.

On-the-Ground Execution

In districts like Varanasi, Kanpur, and Gorakhpur, the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha has set up kiosks in colleges and community halls.
Events like cultural programmes, sports tournaments, and social service drives are being used to attract participants.

Incentives for active booth units include:

• Recognition from senior leaders

• Certificates of appreciation

• Invitations to national party events in Delhi

Expert Opinion

Dr. Anupama Singh, a political science professor, notes that booth-level youth mobilisation could give BJP a significant advantage, especially in rural constituencies. She emphasises that early engagement builds long-term party loyalty.

Challenges Ahead

• Unemployment concerns among youth could dampen enthusiasm if not addressed.

• Risk of political clashes in polarised districts during recruitment.

• Sustaining momentum until the 2027 Assembly elections.

Potential Electoral Impact

A successful drive could:

• Boost voter turnout in BJP strongholds

• Counter local anti-incumbency

• Reduce last-minute campaign dependency

Even a 50% success rate could significantly influence the 2025 Panchayat and 2027 Assembly elections.

Conclusion

The “One Booth, Ten Youth” campaign is not just about numbers — it’s a calculated political investment in Uttar Pradesh’s future electorate. By integrating first-time voters into its organisational framework, BJP aims to secure an enduring advantage in the state’s dynamic political arena.