BJP Announces First List of Candidates for Lok Sabha Elections 2024

The BJP released its initial list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2024, with a total of 195 candidates being announced across various states and Union Territories. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will once again contest from Varanasi, his longstanding parliamentary constituency.

Among the candidates, there are significant representations from backward communities, including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and OBCs. Kerala has Abdul Salam as the sole Muslim candidate from Malappuram, while Kripashankar Singh, a former Congress MLA and Minister, emerges as a fresh face from Jaunpur, U.P.

Several notable changes have been witnessed in the candidate lineup, with former Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan vying for a Lok Sabha seat from Vidisha, and former Tripura CM Biplab Deb contesting from Tripura. In Delhi, Gautam Gambhir opted out of the race, paving the way for new faces like Bansuri Swaraj and Kamaljeet Sehrawat.

The list showcases continuity as well as replacements, with repeat candidates like Hema Malini from Mathura and ministers like Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh finding their names. However, Meenakshi Lekhi from New Delhi has been replaced.

In West Bengal, a significant number of new candidates have been fielded by the BJP, including Bhojpuri actor Pawan Singh from Asansol and Soumendu Adhikari, the brother of Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari.

Lakshadweep also witnessed new faces in the candidate list, along with the retention of certain sitting MPs. The State-wise list presented by the BJP hints at a strategic blend of experienced leaders and fresh entrants as the Lok Sabha elections draw near.