The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has rolled out its first list of candidates for the forthcoming parliamentary election, announcing 195 names. Releasing the first list, the BJP has cut off 33 sitting MPs, giving way to fresh faces. In the capital, five nominations have been declared. Trusting Manoj Tiwari, he has been fielded from North-East Delhi, while tickets have been cut for four current MPs, replaced by new entrants.
In a strategic move, the BJP has replaced two-time MP and former Union Minister Harsh Vardhan with Praveen Khandelwal for the Chandni Chowk parliamentary seat. For the West Delhi seat, Kamaljeet Sehrawat is nominated over the incumbent Parvesh Singh Verma. Similarly, Ramesh Bidhuri's ticket for South Delhi is passed to Ramvir Singh Bidhuri. Notably, Ramesh Bidhuri sparked controversy last year with comments against Danish Ali in Parliament, leading to a major uproar.
Bansuri Swaraj, the daughter of the late leader Sushma Swaraj, is nominated for the New Delhi parliamentary seat, replacing Meenakshi Lekhi, who is also a Union Minister. This indicates a significant reshuffle of incumbents like Pravesh Verma, Ramesh Bidhuri, Meenakshi Lekhi, and Harsh Vardhan prior to the elections. Understand the reasons behind the cutting of tickets for these four MPs.
Anti-incumbency Wave Against Current MPs
Many reasons are attributed to the BJP's significant reshuffle, with the largest being anti-incumbency. MPs like Parvesh Verma, Ramesh Bidhuri, Meenakshi Lekhi, and Harsh Vardhan have each had a decade in office, possibly generating anti-establishment sentiments among voters.
Assembly Elections 2025 and The Challenge of Countering Kejriwal
The Delhi Assembly elections are due early next year, with Kejriwal posing as a formidable challenge to the BJP in Delhi. Speculation suggests those with cut tickets might receive roles to counter Kejriwal.
Distancing from Controversial Representatives
The BJP has distanced itself from MPs involved in controversies. For example, Ramesh Bidhuri faced criticisms last year for his remarks in Parliament against Danish Ali. Similarly, Parvesh Verma has been known for his contentious statements. The party took special care to field candidates with strong local support and new faces this time.
Confidence in New Faces and Women for A Fresh Battleground
The BJP aims to introduce new faces to the electorate in the parliamentary elections, including women candidates. Perhaps this is an effort to promote gender equality. For instance, Bansuri Swaraj has been handed the ticket for the high-profile New Delhi seat. Additionally, former South MCD Mayor Kamaljeet Sehrawat, a woman candidate, has been trusted to run for the West Delhi seat.
Establishing Regional and Caste Balance
In its candidate announcement, the BJP has also attempted to maintain a caste balance. For example, Ramvir Singh Bidhuri is a Gurjar, and Kamaljeet Sehrawat is a Jat. Praveen Khandelwal, known for advocating traders' rights from the Chandni Chowk constituency, belongs to the Baniya community. The youngest candidate, 39-year-old Bansuri Swaraj, is a Punjabi Brahmin, and Manoj Tiwari is a Brahmin from Purvanchal.
