Kangana Ranaut and Sita Soren highlight the bold choices in BJP’s Fifth List

In a significant political move, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced an additional 111 candidates for the forthcoming Lok Sabha Election 2024. This latest announcement has stirred the political arena, as it includes some bold and unexpected choices, including the inclusion of Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut and Sita Soren, alongside the exclusion of several sitting MPs and notable figures like Varun Gandhi.

The BJP, gearing up for the Lok Sabha Election 2024, has strategically nominated a mix of new faces and veterans in its fifth candidate list. Union Ministers Ashwini Kumar Choubey and V K Singh, along with MP Varun Gandhi, were notable omissions, making way for fresh nominations such as actors Kangana Ranaut and Arun Govil. This move has sparked a mix of excitement and speculation across the political spectrum.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is set to contest from the Sambalpur seat, while spokesperson Sambit Patra will make another bid from Puri, aiming to secure a victory following a close miss in 2019. Additionally, the party has chosen not to field former Union Minister Anantkumar Hegde, a decision influenced by his controversial remarks and the party’s strategy for the elections.

The decision to withhold tickets from approximately 37 sitting Members of Parliament indicates the BJP’s intent to refresh its lineup and strategy. This includes nine MPs from Uttar Pradesh, five from Gujarat, among others, highlighting a significant reshuffle within the party ranks. The list also embraces several leaders from other parties who have recently joined BJP, including industrialist Naveen Jindal and Varaprasad Rao, further showcasing the party’s inclusive approach towards strengthening its electoral base.

Kerala BJP president K Surendra has been selected to contest against incumbent MP Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad, marking a high-profile contest. In West Bengal’s Basirhat, the nomination of Rekha Patra, purportedly a victim of the Sadeshkhali incident, underscores BJP’s strategy to challenge the ruling Trinamool Congress with compelling narratives.

The inclusion of Kangana Ranaut, a vocal supporter of the BJP, as a candidate from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, and veteran actor Arun Govil for the Meerut constituency, reflects the party’s efforts to leverage popular public figures to garner support. Sita Soren, the sister-in-law of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, nominated from Dumka, signifies the party’s focus on influential regional leaders.

As the BJP finalizes its candidate list, the political landscape heats up with discussions and debates on these strategic nominations. With the Lok Sabha Election 2024 on the horizon, the BJP’s latest candidate list underscores a blend of strategy, inclusivity, and star power, setting the stage for an intensely competitive electoral battle.