02 March, 2024 : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has kickstarted its preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections by unveiling the initial list of 195 candidates. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will once again be contesting from Varanasi, marking a pivotal move for the ruling party. The announcement, made on Saturday, March 3, also includes prominent figures like Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and Smriti Irani, among others.
Key Candidates and Constituencies
In a strategic move, the BJP has included 34 Union ministers in its initial list, alongside notable personalities like former chief ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Biplab Deb. Chouhan will contest from Vidisha in Madhya Pradesh, while Deb has been fielded from Tripura West. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is set to contest from Kota in Rajasthan. The BJP’s National General Secretary Vinod Tawde expressed confidence in securing a third term under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Notable Entries: Bhojpuri Film Stars
A significant highlight of the BJP’s candidate list is the inclusion of four Bhojpuri film actors – Ravi Kishan, Manoj Tiwari, Dinesh Lal Yadav ‘Nirhua’, and Pawan Singh. Ravi Kishan, known for his previous victory in Gorakhpur, continues his political journey. Manoj Tiwari, a familiar face in North-East Delhi, will vie for the Lok Sabha seat once again. Dinesh Lal Yadav, popularly known as ‘Nirahua’, emerged victorious in a recent by-election, securing his place in the Lok Sabha candidacy. Pawan Singh, recognized for his contributions to Bhojpuri cinema, steps into the political realm as the BJP candidate for the Asansol Lok Sabha seat in Bengal.
BJP’s Strategic Move
The BJP’s early announcement of candidates is seen as a calculated move to gain an edge in the upcoming elections. With the inclusion of established political figures and popular personalities from diverse backgrounds, the party aims to strengthen its position and surpass the 400-seat threshold in alliance with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners.
As the political landscape gears up for the Lok Sabha elections, the BJP’s initial list of candidates sets the tone for an intense electoral battle. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the charge once again, the party is poised to face the challenges ahead with confidence and determination. Stay tuned for further updates as the electoral campaign unfolds.
