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Election 2024

UP Polls: BJP to reshape candidate lineup, set to drop sitting MPs over alleged 'under-performance’

As of now, BJP has not revealed its candidates for 12 seats in the state. Sources suggest that approximately six out of these 12 Members of Parliament are being closely scrutinized by the BJP leadership due to allegations of "unsatisfactory" performance. Previously, the party had excluded nine out of 11 sitting MPs from its second list of candidates in the state.

- Lucknow - UPDATED: March 29, 2024, 04:39 PM - 2 min read

UP Polls: BJP to reshape candidate lineup, set to drop sitting MPs over alleged 'under-performance’

Approximately six MPs out of the remaining 12 seats are reportedly under scrutiny for their purportedly unsatisfactory performance.

Uttar Pradesh's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is anticipated to drop around half a dozen sitting MPs due to perceived ‘under-performance’, sources within the party revealed. As per reports, the BJP has yet to announce candidates for 12 seats in the state. Earlier, the party omitted nine out of 11 sitting MPs in its second list of candidates for the state.

Inputs on MPs' performances have been collected with the assistance of grassroots functionaries, including those affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Performance evaluations are expected to influence candidature decisions, according to sources. Approximately six MPs out of the remaining 12 seats are reportedly under scrutiny for their purportedly unsatisfactory performance.

Among the 12 seats, the BJP secured victories in nine constituencies during the 2019 elections, namely Kaushambhi, Prayagraj, Kaiserganj, Machhlishahr, Deoria, Phulpur, Bhadohi, Firozabad, and Ballia. Mainpuri, Rae Bareli, and Ghosi were won by the Samajwadi Party (SP), Congress, and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), respectively.

A particular focus is on Kaiserganj, represented by former Wrestling Federation president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who faces allegations of sexual harassment from female wrestlers. Speculation suggests the BJP might nominate his wife, Ketki Singh, or their son Prateek Bhushan Singh, who serves as an MLA from Gonda. However, sources indicate that Brij Bhushan remains in contact with BJP leadership and is optimistic about securing the ticket for himself.

Prayagraj MP Rita Bahuguna Joshi, set to turn 75 this year, is also likely to be excluded from candidacy. She previously declared her intention not to contest the 2024 elections. The BJP has already sidelined its eight-time MP from Bareilly, Santosh Gangwar, due to his advanced age.

BJP MP Virendra Singh from Ballia is also under scrutiny after announcing plans for an auditorium named after SP patriarch and party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav in 2022.

A spokesperson for the BJP in Uttar Pradesh reportedly mentioned that MPs denied tickets or expected to be denied in the future would be engaged in organizational activities. The BJP is set to contest 75 out of 80 seats in UP, allocating the remaining five to its allies - two each for Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) and Apna Dal (S), and one for Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP).