The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Karnataka): Union Minister Pralhad Joshi hinted at the possibility of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) nominating External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as candidates from constituencies in Karnataka for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
In a statement to reporters in Karnataka’s Hubballi, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi disclosed that there are considerations for Dr S Jaishankar and Nirmala Sitharaman to contest from Karnataka or other state constituencies in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. However, clarity regarding the specific constituencies is yet to be determined.
Presently, S Jaishankar serves as a member of the Rajya Sabha from Gujarat, while Nirmala Sitharaman represents Karnataka in the Upper House.
Earlier announcements from Karnataka BJP chief BY Vijayendra emphasized the collaborative efforts between BJP and JDS (Janata Dal Secular) in contesting elections across all 28 Lok Sabha constituencies in Karnataka. The alliance aims to secure victory in all 28 seats, as confirmed by Vijayendra earlier this month.
Against the backdrop of the impending Lok Sabha elections in 2024, the BJP conducted a core group meeting involving five states at the party headquarters in New Delhi. Led by BJP National President JP Nadda and attended by Home Minister Amit Shah and Organization General Secretary BL Santosh, the meeting focused on strategizing for Lok Sabha seat preparations in Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan.
The Bharatiya Janata Party’s Central Election Committee is expected to convene around February 29 or the first week of March. During this meeting, discussions are anticipated to revolve around more than 100 Lok Sabha seats, marking a crucial phase in the party’s election preparations.
The prospective candidature of seasoned leaders like S Jaishankar and Nirmala Sitharaman underscores BJP’s strategic planning and electoral ambitions, as the party gears up for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.