The BJP is poised to announce its first batch of candidates for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections, with the list expected to include prominent figures such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. After a series of exhaustive discussions in the capital, the party intends to declare over 100 nominees, aiming to establish a strong presence before election dates are officially released. The strategic planning involves comprehensive feedback collection on current MPs and a reshuffle to counter anti-incumbency sentiment.
The selection process has focused on pivotal states like the Hindi heartland, as well as Gujarat and some southern states, where the party looks to strengthen its foothold. Decisions for states such as Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu are on hold, as the BJP negotiates with regional parties. Speculation is rife that Modi will re-contest his Varanasi seat, while Amit Shah is projected to stand from Gandhinagar, maintaining the party’s long-standing tenure in both constituencies.
Other notable figures in the political arena such as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia are expected to represent Lucknow and Madhya Pradesh, respectively. The BJP’s planning also leaves room for regional alliances in Uttar Pradesh, Assam, and Jharkhand, signifying strategic partnerships for a broad-based electoral campaign. As the BJP gears up for the looming election battle, it seeks to name at least 50 percent of its candidates shortly, replicating its proactive approach from the 2019 elections.