- Nitin Gadkari, a prominent BJP leader, is set to contest the Lok Sabha elections from Nagpur, Maharashtra.
- The BJP’s second candidate list includes notable names like Union ministers Piyush Goyal and Pralhad Joshi, along with former chief ministers Manohar Lal Khattar and Basavaraj Bommai.
- Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray urged Gadkari to leave the BJP if he feels “insulted”, while assuring support from Sena (UBT) in the elections.
Nitin Gadkari, a well-known leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is all set to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from Nagpur, Maharashtra.
This decision was announced in the party’s recently released second list of candidates. Gadkari, who has been a prominent figure in BJP politics, currently serves as the Road Transport and Highways Minister in the Narendra Modi government. He has held this position since 2014.
Gadkari’s political journey has been noteworthy. He has served in various ministerial roles, including Minister of Shipping, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation.
His long-standing association with the BJP makes him a key figure in Indian politics.
In addition to his ministerial responsibilities, Gadkari is also a Member of Parliament from Nagpur.
His decision to contest the Lok Sabha elections from his home constituency further solidifies his commitment to serve the people.
However, there have been recent rumblings within Maharashtra’s political landscape. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has publicly urged Gadkari to consider leaving the BJP if he feels “insulted”.
Thackeray’s remarks come amidst growing tensions between the BJP and its former ally, Shiv Sena.
Despite this, Thackeray has assured Gadkari of support from the Sena (UBT) in the upcoming elections, indicating a complex political scenario in the state.
Meanwhile, the BJP’s second candidate list for the Lok Sabha elections includes several notable names. Union ministers such as Piyush Goyal, Pralhad Joshi, and Anurag Singh Thakur are among the 72 candidates named in the list.
The inclusion of former chief ministers like Manohar Lal Khattar, Basavaraj Bommai, and Trivendra Singh Rawat highlights the party’s strategy to field experienced leaders in key constituencies.
Khattar, who recently resigned as the Chief Minister of Haryana, will now contest the Lok Sabha elections from Karnal.
This move reflects a shift in his political role and signals his continued involvement in national politics.
Moreover, the BJP’s candidate list showcases diversity in terms of regional representation. For instance, Anil Baluni, the party’s chief spokesperson and a Rajya Sabha member, will contest from Uttarakhand’s Garhwal constituency.
Similarly, in Delhi, the party has introduced new candidates like Harsh Malhotra and Yogendra Chandolia for the Lok Sabha polls.
Key states like Karnataka also feature prominently in the BJP’s candidate selection. Union minister Pralhad Joshi will be contesting from Dharwad, while B Y Raghavendra, son of former chief minister B S Yediyurappa, will vie for the Shimoga seat.
These nominations underscore the party’s efforts to maintain a strong foothold in crucial electoral battlegrounds.
The BJP’s meticulous planning for the upcoming elections is evident in its comprehensive candidate selection process.
The party had earlier released its first list of candidates, comprising over 190 names, demonstrating its preparedness for the electoral battle ahead.
As India gears up for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections scheduled for April-May, political dynamics continue to evolve.
The BJP’s strategic nomination of candidates like Nitin Gadkari reflects its commitment to securing a decisive victory.
With seasoned leaders and fresh faces joining the electoral fray, the stage is set for a dynamic and closely contested electoral contest across the country.