BJP releases 195 Lok Sabha candidates, Modi in Varanasi

Notably, the list excludes candidates for Maharashtra, signaling a focused effort to target specific constituencies where the party aims to reverse previous setbacks.

| Updated: 02 March, 2024 9:09 pm IST

BJP Unveils First List of 195 Lok Sabha Candidates, Modi to Contest from Varanasi for Third Term

NEW DELHI: After extensive deliberations, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unveiled its inaugural list of candidates for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections in a strategic move aimed at reclaiming lost seats and strengthening its position. Notably, the list excludes candidates for Maharashtra, signaling a focused effort to target specific constituencies where the party aims to reverse previous setbacks.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, spearheading the BJP’s electoral campaign, will seek re-election from the Varanasi constituency for the third consecutive term, setting the stage for a closely watched electoral battle. The meticulous planning behind the candidate selection process was evident in a marathon meeting of the party’s Central Election Committee, chaired by PM Modi himself.

BJP announces candidates for 195 seats, with PM Modi contesting from Varanasi. Target set at 370 seats for BJP and 400 for NDA. States and seat distribution detailed in the announcement.
Reports: @urvashikhona #BJP #LokSabhaElections2024 #NDA #Modi pic.twitter.com/osR015QzzG

— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) March 2, 2024

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The first list of candidates features a blend of seasoned politicians and emerging leaders, with 34 Union Ministers and Ministers of State among the prominent names. Former Chief Ministers and other experienced leaders underscore the party’s strategy of combining expertise with fresh leadership. High-profile candidates include Kiren Rijiju, Sarbananda Sonowal, Manoj Tiwari, Amit Shah, Mansukh Mandaviya, CR Patil, and Nishikant Dubey, among others. Additionally, former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is slated to contest from Vidisha.

BJP unveils its candidates for Lok Sabha elections 2024 in Jharkhand:

Rajmahal – Tala Marandi
Dumka – Sunil Soren
Godda – Nishikant Dubey
Kodarma – Annapurna Devi
Ranchi – Sanjay Seth
Jamshedpur – Vidhyut Baran Mahato
Singhbhum – Geeta Koda
Khunti – Arjun Munda
Lohardaga… pic.twitter.com/uzRXc3wPBl

— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) March 2, 2024

The absence of a ticket for Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur from Bhopal marks a notable decision, with Alok Sharma nominated for the constituency this time. However, veteran Bollywood actor Hema Malini will continue her electoral journey from Mathura, a seat she has held since 2014.

ALSO READ: Maharashtra opposition finalises seat-sharing deal for Lok Sabha polls

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During the Central Election Committee meeting, the BJP reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing constituencies where it faced defeat in previous elections. The party’s proactive stance is reflected in its early announcement of candidates, signaling preparedness for the upcoming electoral battle.

With Uttar Pradesh holding the highest number of Lok Sabha seats, the BJP’s allocation of seats to key allies aims to bolster the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) position in the state. Prime Minister Modi’s ambitious targets of 370 seats for the BJP and ‘400 paar’ for the NDA underscore the party’s determination to retain power and overcome opposition challenges in the upcoming polls.

FLASH: Mega announcement on candidates: @anil_baluni, BJP National General Secretary @TawdeVinod BJP National Vice President @PandaJay share

16 states
195 candidates confirmed

UP — 50
Assam – 11
WB – 20
Tripura – 1

PM Modi –Varanasi first candidate@rohanduaT02 breaks it pic.twitter.com/kM3kTu3XRO

— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) March 2, 2024