In a move signaling potential shifts in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, seven union ministers from the BJP, whose Rajya Sabha terms are set to end in April, have not been re-nominated. Among these notable figures are Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and junior IT Minister Rajeev Chandrashekhar. Speculation is rife that the BJP might field them in the Lok Sabha elections, which are expected to take place later in the same month.
Sources suggest that these ministers could be fielded from various Lok Sabha constituencies across different states. For instance, Mr. Pradhan may contest from Sambalpur or Dheknal in Odisha, while Mr. Mandaviya could run from Bhavnagar or Surat in Gujarat. Similarly, Mr. Chandrashekhar might vie for one of the four seats in Bengaluru, and Mr. Yadav may consider Alwar or Mahendragarh in Rajasthan. Additionally, Mr. Rupala may aim for Rajkot, Gujarat, and Mr. Muraleedharan may be fielded from Kerala.
In a notable departure, only two union ministers from the Rajya Sabha have been retained by the BJP, namely Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and junior Fisheries Minister L Murugan. Notably, no outgoing MP who has served two or more terms has been repeated, except for party chief JP Nadda, who has been shifted from Himachal Pradesh to Gujarat.
The BJP’s strategy appears to focus on new faces and grassroots workers, evident from the fact that only four of the 28 outgoing Rajya Sabha MPs have been renominated. The party is emphasizing collective leadership and selecting candidates strategically, aiming to maximize outreach to different demographics, including first-time voters, beneficiaries of central schemes, backward classes, young people, and women.
Furthermore, the BJP’s approach for the upcoming elections mirrors its successful strategy in the recent Assembly polls. By emphasizing collective leadership and selecting high-profile candidates, the party managed to sweep to power in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh, reclaiming the latter two states from the Congress.
As the BJP gears up for the Lok Sabha elections, National General Secretaries have been meeting weekly to develop strategies, including candidate placement. With a focus on targeting specific voter demographics, the BJP aims for a third consecutive term by appealing to a broad spectrum of voters across the country.
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