The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has unveiled its fifth list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, stirring up significant surprises and changes within the party’s roster. Among the most notable alterations are the exclusion of 37 sitting MPs, including prominent figures such as union ministers Ashwini Kumar Choubey, VK Singh, and Varun Gandhi. In an unexpected move, the party has introduced renowned actors Kangana Ranaut and Arun Govil as candidates.
The BJP’s decision to field Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan from Sambalpur and spokesperson Sambit Patra from Puri marks strategic choices in key constituencies. Notably, Sambit Patra had previously contested from Puri in 2019 but faced defeat. Additionally, the party has dropped six-time MP Anantkumar Hegde from Karnataka, citing recent controversies surrounding his remarks on the Constitution.
Check the list here:
BJP Releases 5th Candidate List for 2024 Lok Sabha Elections
A significant shakeup is evident in the denial of tickets to 37 MPs, with Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Odisha, Bihar, Karnataka, and Jharkhand bearing the brunt of the changes. The inclusion of several leaders who defected from other parties, such as Sita Soren, Tapas Roy, and N Kiran Kumar Reddy, underscores the BJP’s concerted effort to bolster its ranks with experienced politicians.
The BJP’s strategy also involves pitting strong candidates against key opposition figures. For instance, Kerala BJP president K Surendra will challenge Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad, signaling the party’s intent to make inroads into traditionally opposition-held territories. Moreover, the nomination of Rekha Patra from West Bengal’s Basirhat constituency highlights the party’s focus on addressing local issues and grievances.
Union ministers Giriraj Singh and Ravi Shankar Prasad retaining their seats from Begusarai and Patna Sahib, respectively, underscores the party’s confidence in established leaders. However, the exclusion of sitting MP Varun Gandhi from Pilibhit in favor of his mother, Maneka Gandhi’s renomination from Sultanpur, showcases the BJP’s internal dynamics and strategic decision-making.
In a move to rejuvenate representation, Atul Garg replaces two-term MP V K Singh in Ghaziabad, signaling a transition towards fresh faces. Notably, the inclusion of Kangana Ranaut as a candidate from Mandi and Arun Govil from Meerut adds a dash of glamour to the electoral fray, reflecting the BJP’s diverse candidate selection approach.
The BJP’s nomination of Sita Soren, sister-in-law of former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren, from Dumka, and former Karnataka chief minister Jagadish Shettar from Belgaum, underscores the party’s outreach efforts across diverse regions. Furthermore, the surprise shift of Dilip Ghosh from Medinipur to Bardhaman–Durgapur suggests a strategic realignment of resources to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Overall, the BJP’s fifth list of candidates for the Lok Sabha elections showcases a mix of experienced stalwarts, new entrants, and strategic realignments, reflecting the party’s dynamic approach towards securing electoral success.
Comments