Lucknow
Several senior parliamentarians from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Uttar Pradesh are facing concerns about their political futures. These concerns are primarily driven by factors such as age limits and underperformance as Members of Parliament (MPs). Some of the MPs are approaching the 75-year age limit, while others have been shortlisted for underperforming as MPs.
A few are at risk of losing their candidacy due to controversies that have arisen during their tenure in Parliament. Notable among those who may not be given tickets for the 2024 elections is Hema Malini, the BJP MP from Mathura. The renowned actor-turned-politician recently celebrated her 75th birthday with great enthusiasm and is reportedly contemplating a return to films. Other MPs who have either crossed the 75-year age limit or are nearing it include Satyadev Pachauri, the MP from Kanpur. He is likely to be replaced with Satish Mahana, the Speaker of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly. Santosh Gangwar, the MP from Bareilly, is also at risk of not receiving a ticket due to his proximity to the age limit. Rita Bahuguna Joshi, the MP from Allahabad, has already announced that she will not seek a ticket for the 2024 polls, as she is nearing 75 years of age. Additional MPs whose fate is uncertain include Jagdambika Pal (Dumariaganj), Chandrasen Jadon (Firozabad), and Rajendra Agarwal (Meerut). The BJP is reportedly considering half a dozen Uttar Pradesh ministers and important MLAs as potential candidates for the Lok Sabha elections. The performance, political image, and public perception of these leaders in challenging constituencies will influence the party’s decision on whether to field them. The BJP is also planning to nominate more female candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, as it aims to set an example before the Women’s Reservation Bill is implemented.
