In an unexpected twist, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has introduced Paras Nath Rai as their candidate in the Ghazipur Lok Sabha constituency, opposing Samajwadi Party's candidate Afzal Ansari. Rai was in the middle of a class lecture when he learned of his new role as a candidate. 'It didn't feel real,' he expressed.
Known to be close to the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir and former MP of Ghazipur, Manoj Sinha, Rai shared he did not anticipate the ticket. 'It seemed like just another responsibility from the organization—the candidacy came as a surprise,' he stated.
Why Did Rai Get The Ticket? His Explanation
Rai explained his candidature by underscoring his commitment to the organization. 'As a modest volunteer, whatever duty I was entrusted with, I've performed dedicatedly. Today, the organization believes I should contest in parliament, and so I'm ready,' revealed Rai.
Rai Will Face Off Against Afzal Ansari, BJP Releases Another List for UP
Facing a seasoned opponent like Ansari did not daunt Rai. 'I'm a soldier at heart, and I fight like one, regardless of whether the opponent is a one-time MP or a five-time MP. My goal is to fight and to win,' he declared confidently.
Ex-PM's Son Gets Ticket, BJP Eyes Fresh Faces to Balance Caste Equations in UP
I've Traversed Every Lane, Every Doorstep: Paras Nath
Rai narrated his grassroots connection: 'There is not a single village that I haven't visited. My motorcycle has reached every door. This is the foundation of my work.' Rai, who has been associated with the Sangh since he was in eighth grade, said his commitment grew stronger during his time at BHU.
BJP Announces 7 Candidates
It was noted that BJP had declared a list of seven candidates on the 10th of April. Among the names were Neeraj Tripathi from Allahabad, Paras Nath Rai from Ghazipur, Praveen Kumar Patel from Phulpur, Jaiveer Singh Thakur from Mainpuri, Vinod Sonkar from Kaushambi, Neeraj Shekhar from Ballia, and BP Saroj from Machhlishahr.
