National Desk, 2nd March: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has unveiled its inaugural list of candidates ahead of the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2024. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to contest from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, reaffirming his electoral stronghold in the region.
Addressing the media at the party headquarters in the national capital, BJP National General Secretary Vinod Tawde disclosed key highlights of the candidate selection process and the constituencies represented. The first list encompasses candidates for 195 seats across 16 states and two union territories.
Notable inclusions in the roster feature prominent leaders and incumbent ministers, with 34 Central Ministers and Ministers of State (MoSs) among the candidates. This comprehensive list showcases a diverse representation, with 28 women candidates, 47 individuals below the age of 50, and a significant emphasis on Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Other Backward Class (OBC) constituencies.
Several high-profile candidates have been identified to contest from various constituencies, including Amit Shah from Gandhinagar, Jyotiraditya Scindia from Guna, and Rajeev Chandrasekhar from Thiruvananthapuram, among others.
Further enhancing the geographic spread, candidates have been nominated from Arunachal Pradesh to Andaman & Nicobar and Daman & Diu. Additionally, the list underscores continuity in leadership, with notable figures such as Kiren Rijiju and Tapir Gao retained to contest from Arunachal Pradesh seats.
Of significant note is the inclusion of Bansuri Swaraj, daughter of the late Sushma Swaraj, who will contest from the New Delhi constituency, continuing the legacy of her illustrious mother.
The BJP’s meticulous selection process reflects a blend of experienced stalwarts and fresh faces, signifying a strategic approach to secure electoral success in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. With a diverse array of candidates poised to represent the party’s vision and agenda, the BJP aims to bolster its electoral prospects and reaffirm its commitment to national development and governance.