Lok Sabha Elections 2024: BJP bets on fresh faces, drops 100 sitting MPs to reach 400-seat target

BJP denies ticket to about 100 sitting MPs

In its latest move ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has decided not to offer tickets to around 100 of its sitting Members of Parliament (MPs). This decision comes as the party released six lists of candidates for over 400 seats, leaving many sitting MPs out of the race.

This trend follows the pattern seen in the 2019 elections when the BJP chose not to field 99 of its sitting MPs. Back then, the party contested on 437 Lok Sabha seats, leaving the remainder for its allies.

This time, with candidates announced for 405 seats, it's evident that more sitting MPs might not get tickets compared to the previous elections. This strategy aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts to combat anti-incumbency by introducing fresh faces. PM Modi has stressed at various rallies that party members should prioritise the party symbol, the lotus, over individual entitlement to demand tickets.

The campaign's focus remains on PM Modi, highlighting his welfare schemes and foreign and economic policy achievements. Additionally, the party emphasises the importance of winnability, prompting former ministers like Dharmendra Pradhan and Bhupender Yadav to contest elections. Modi initiated this shift in strategy in 2014 when even longstanding Rajya Sabha MPs like Arun Jaitley were encouraged to contest, albeit unsuccessfully.

Another aspect of Modi's strategy is fielding past Chief Ministers in Lok Sabha polls to capitalise on their established stature. For instance, Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Manohar Lal Khattar, former Chief Ministers of Madhya Pradesh and Haryana, respectively, have been nominated as candidates.

Furthermore, the BJP has been welcoming individuals who crossed over from other parties, such as Naveen Jindal and Ashok Tanwar from the Congress. Notable crossovers in recent years include Jyotiraditya Scindia and Jitin Prasada, who were given tickets from constituencies where they replaced former BJP members critical of the party.

With these strategic maneuvers, the BJP aims to strengthen its position ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, prioritising both fresh faces and established figures to ensure electoral success.