In preparation for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in Madhya Pradesh, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is considering introducing new faces in at least twelve out of the 29 Lok Sabha constituencies. This strategic move aims to counter the perceived anti-incumbency factor affecting some sitting MPs in their respective constituencies, as revealed by an internal party survey.
The BJP leadership is reportedly inclined to replace seven sitting MPs who are facing anti-incumbency sentiments in their constituencies. The decision is grounded in the party’s objective to rejuvenate its representation and enhance the chances of victory in these specific seats. Additionally, the five sitting MPs who resigned from the Lok Sabha after winning in the state assembly elections will be replaced with fresh faces.
Among the notable figures impacted by this decision are former Union ministers Narendra Singh Tomar and Prallhad Patel, Rithi Pathak, Rakesh Singh, and Uday Pratap Singh. While Union minister Faggan Singh Kulaste and Ganesh Singh, who contested in the Assembly polls but did not succeed, face uncertainty about their retention in the upcoming LS polls.
The party has divided the 29 LS constituencies into seven clusters, and the in-charges of these clusters have submitted their assessments of the ground situation to the BJP leadership. This comprehensive feedback will play a crucial role in determining the final decision on candidate selection.
On the other side, the Congress party is grappling with the challenge of convincing senior leaders to contest the LS polls to address funding concerns and provide strong competition to BJP candidates. The Congress leadership is keen on leveraging the experience and influence of senior leaders, even if they opt not to contest, by assigning them key responsibilities in specific LS constituencies.
In the last LS polls, BJP secured 28 out of 29 seats in Madhya Pradesh, leaving Congress with the lone victory in the Chhindwara seat. The upcoming elections present an opportunity for both parties to position candidates and navigate the dynamic political landscape strategically.
