Maneka Gandhi, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate and incumbent MP from Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, has voiced her concern for her son, Varun Gandhi, amidst political turmoil. Varun Gandhi, a former MP from Pilibhit, has been notably absent from the BJP ticket list for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections, fueling speculation about his political stance since 2019.
Expressing her maternal concern, Maneka Gandhi stated, “I just want to see him (Varun Gandhi) happy, and what more can one ask from life.” She emphasized Varun’s readiness to support her campaign in Sultanpur, indicating a familial unity despite political differences.
Varun’s Absence in Election race
Addressing queries regarding Varun Gandhi’s absence from the Pilibhit constituency race, Maneka Gandhi clarified his willingness to aid her campaign. Despite Varun Gandhi being denied a BJP ticket for the Pilibhit seat, the party selected UP public works minister Jitin Prasada.
Maneka Gandhi dismissed concerns about potential negative repercussions of Varun Gandhi’s involvement in her campaign, asserting confidence in the electorate’s judgment. She affirmed that Varun’s participation, at her request, would not sway the outcome in Sultanpur.
Ahead of the voting in Sultanpur on May 25, Maneka Gandhi expressed optimism about a BJP victory, dismissing rival claims by India Alliance and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav. She reiterated her commitment to securing the Sultanpur seat for the BJP amidst a tough triangular contest involving the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party.
The Sultanpur Seat
The Sultanpur Lok Sabha constituency, comprising five Assembly segments, is set for a challenging electoral battle. The incumbent BJP candidate faces competition from the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party.
Since Independence, Sultanpur has witnessed MPs from various parties, with no single party dominating the seat outright. Congress, BSP, and BJP have all tasted success in the constituency.
In the broader context of Uttar Pradesh elections, the BJP is contesting in alliance with local parties, while Congress and Samajwadi Party have united under the INDIA bloc, and BSP is running independently.
The Lok Sabha polls in Uttar Pradesh are scheduled for counting on June 4, 2024.
