In a significant departure from tradition, the Pilibhit Lok Sabha constituency witnesses a Gandhi family absence in the electoral fray post-1989. The BJP, switching tactics, has rejected incumbent MP Varun Gandhi in favor of Uttar Pradesh minister Jitin Prasad. Despite speculation of an independent bid by Varun, the conjecture ceased as nomination deadlines elapsed without his candidacy.
With Jitin Prasad finalizing his nomination amidst BJP stalwarts, last week's purchase of nomination papers by a Varun Gandhi proxy intensified election buzz, now settled in favor of a new contender.
Marking three decades, this election is the first Pilibhit contest absent of either Menaka or Varun Gandhi. Varun, having frequently critiqued the BJP on matters affecting farmers, health, and jobs, was unsurprisingly bypassed this ticket cycle.
Jitin Prasad's unveiling as candidate sparked rumors of Varun contesting as an independent, which were dispelled as the nomination window closed without his submission. Menaka Gandhi, currently representing Sultanpur, has been re-endorsed by the BJP for her longtime constituency.
Menaka Gandhi first triumphed in 1989 on a Janata Dal ticket, faced defeat in 1991, but clinched victory in subsequent years. Menaka, previously winning as an independent and later as a BJP candidate, cemented a legacy shared with son Varun, who secured wins in 2009 and 2019.
Following Jitin Prasad's nomination, Chaudhary addressed a rally stating, "Varun Gandhi is a senior leader and the party will assign responsibilities to him soon." Swatantra Dev Singh affirmed, "Varun Gandhi is our leader and the party will utilize him elsewhere." The main opposition, Samajwadi Party, has fielded Bhagwat Saran Gangwar while the Bahujan Samaj Party has nominated Anees Ahmed Khan for Pilibhit.
