New Dehli- In a strategic move aimed at securing an early advantage in the pursuit of its goal to win 370 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has unveiled its first list of 195 candidates. This list features prominent figures such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, indicating a strong lineup for the electoral battle.
The roster comprises 34 central and state ministers, along with two former chief ministers. Notably, it includes 28 women, 47 leaders under the age of 50, and 57 members from the Other Backward Classes (OBC) community. Of the 195 candidates, 51 hail from Uttar Pradesh, 20 from West Bengal, and five from Delhi.
Key figures in the list encompass Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, contesting from Lucknow, and Smriti Irani, seeking re-election from Amethi after her noteworthy victory against Rahul Gandhi in 2019. The BJP's meticulous candidate selection extends to diverse constituencies, reflecting a comprehensive approach.
Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Rajya Sabha member Jyotiraditya Scindia, and Minister of State for Home Ajay Mishra Teni, despite facing controversies, are among the prominent figures strategically positioned in various constituencies.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan's decision to contest from Vidisha indicates a potential national role for him, while the exclusion of controversial figure Pragya Singh Thakur from Bhopal marks a noteworthy development. The list also includes established candidates like Hema Malini and former Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Deb.
In Delhi, a significant reshuffle sees four out of five MPs replaced, including Meenakshi Lekhi, Harsh Vardhan, and Parvesh Verma. The selection process, marked by exhaustive deliberations and technological input through the Namo App, underscores the BJP's thorough assessment of constituencies, voter feedback, and the performance of sitting MPs.
The release of this comprehensive list ahead of schedule indicates a strategic move to exert pressure on the opposition, especially considering ongoing negotiations on seat-sharing deals. The BJP's emphasis on key constituencies and diverse candidate profiles positions them strategically for the upcoming electoral contest.
