New Delhi, Aug. 18 -- The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is gearing up its preparations for the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections to be held early next year and the appointment of General Secretary Vinod Tawde as the in-charge of the crucial electoral state reflects the party's decision to have an experienced leader with vast experience of elections in the position.

The party on Tuesday also appointed Jagdish Ishwarbhai Patelas the co-in-charge of the state.

Sources said the BJP's focus is on strengthening social and caste equations. Leaders from Other Backward Classes (OBC) and minority communities in Uttar Pradesh are also being given greater representation in the appointment of office-bearers.

Tawde, a Rajya Sabha MP, has handled sever...