BJP Drops Controversial Leaders from Lok Sabha Polls Candidate List, Focuses on Maintaining Decorum

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 3rd March. As the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released its first list of 195 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, notable exclusions grabbed attention, including firebrand leader Pragya Thakur and sitting MPs Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma and Ramesh Bidhuri. This move reflects the party’s strategic shift towards presenting a united front and avoiding controversies ahead of a challenging electoral battle against a joint opposition.

In a significant move, Pragya Thakur, known for her contentious statements, was replaced in Bhopal by Alok Sharma. Thakur’s past remarks, including her portrayal of Nathuram Godse as a “patriot,” had drawn condemnation even from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Her absence from active constituency engagement played a pivotal role in her omission.

Another notable absentee from the list was Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma, the West Delhi MP, who had courted controversy with his provocative remarks during various instances, including the Shaheen Bagh protests and a public boycott call seemingly aimed at Muslims.

Similarly, Ramesh Bidhuri, the South Delhi MP, faced exclusion following his Islamophobic slurs towards Amroha MP Danish Ali during a Lok Sabha discussion. Despite Bidhuri’s subsequent apology, the BJP’s decision underscores its commitment to upholding public decorum and avoiding divisive rhetoric.

The BJP’s emphasis on maintaining discipline and projecting a positive image ahead of the elections is evident in its candidate selection process. While the party aims to highlight Prime Minister Modi’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat @2047,’ it is also keen on averting controversies that could provide ammunition to the opposition and tarnish its electoral prospects.

The absence of other prominent Delhi MPs like Meenakshi Lekhi and Harsh Vardhan further underscores the BJP’s strategic realignment in response to the evolving political landscape, characterized by a formidable joint opposition in the national capital.

According to party sources, the selection criteria prioritize “winnability” and public acceptability, with factors such as incumbency and popularity in the constituencies playing significant roles. The exclusion of 33 sitting MPs, including controversial figures, underscores the BJP’s resolve to present a cohesive and disciplined front in the electoral arena.

Despite these omissions, the BJP’s candidate list features prominent names such as former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, signaling the party’s continued focus on consolidating its electoral position amidst a challenging political landscape.