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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is poised to reveal its second list of candidates today, Wednesday, in preparation for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections slated for April or May this year. Following the initial release of 195 candidates across 16 States and Union Territories on March 2, the party gears up to announce an additional 150 contenders.
Key Figures in BJP’s First List
In its first list, the BJP fielded a formidable lineup of 34 Central government ministers, including prominent figures such as Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and Smriti Irani. Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from the Varanasi constituency, reaffirming his commitment to representing the people of this region.
Congress Unveils Second List
In contrast, the Congress party has unveiled its second list of candidates, comprising 43 names. Among them, 10 candidates hail from Rajasthan, with former chief minister Ashok Gehlot’s son, Vaibhav Gehlot, emerging as a prominent contender from Jalore. Vaibhav Gehlot previously contested the Lok Sabha elections from the Jodhpur seat in 2019, albeit unsuccessfully, against present Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
Notable Candidates and Regional Representation
The Congress’s candidate roster includes a mix of seasoned politicians and fresh faces, with sitting MP Rahul Kaswan from Churu making headlines after his recent defection from the BJP to the Congress. The second list spans candidates from Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, and Daman and Diu, reflecting a diverse regional representation.
Diversity in Candidate Selection
A noteworthy aspect of the Congress’s candidate list is its diversity, with candidates representing various social groups. The list includes individuals from General, Other Backward Castes (OBC), Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Muslim communities, ensuring broad inclusivity in the electoral process.
Inclusion of Sitting MLAs and New Faces
Among the candidates featured in the list are three sitting MLAs, including Lalit Yadav from the Alwar Lok Sabha seat, Harish Meena from the Tonk Lok Sabha seat, and Brijendra Ola from Jhunjhunu Lok Sabha seat. Additionally, the list introduces new faces such as Karan Singh Uchiyarda, currently serving as the party’s state general secretary, and Sanjana Jatav from Bharatpur.
Continuity and Fresh Perspectives
The inclusion of sitting MLAs underscores the party’s strategy to maintain continuity in certain constituencies, while the introduction of new faces reflects its commitment to infusing fresh perspectives into the electoral arena.
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Notably, in Madhya Pradesh, the Congress has nominated former Chief Minister Kamal Nath’s son, Nakul Nath, from the Chhindwara constituency, signaling a blend of legacy and emerging leadership within the party ranks.
