Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has surprisingly turned down the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) offer to contest in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, citing financial limitations as the primary reason. During the Times Now Summit 2024, Sitharaman revealed that BJP President JP Nadda had given her the choice to run from either Andhra Pradesh or Tamil Nadu. However, after careful consideration, she declined, stating her inability to finance the campaign expenses.
Sitharaman elaborated on her decision, highlighting concerns beyond financial constraints, such as the winnability factors including community and religious affiliations, which she felt did not align with her. Expressing gratitude towards her party for understanding her stance, Sitharaman clarified that her refusal to contest does not impact her commitment to the BJP. She plans to actively participate in the party’s campaign efforts and support other candidates, including Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, in their electoral journey.
Addressing a query about her financial capacity as the country’s finance minister, Sitharaman humorously remarked that the Consolidated Fund of India is not at her personal disposal. Her earnings and savings are her own, separate from state funds. Despite not entering the electoral fray, Sitharaman’s engagement in the BJP’s campaign trail underscores her ongoing influence and dedication to the party’s success in the forthcoming elections.
This development comes as the BJP continues to unveil its list of candidates for the general elections, featuring prominent names such as Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, and Rajnath Singh. The inclusion of unexpected candidates like actress Kangana Ranaut and Sandeshkhali violence survivor Rekha Patra has already created a buzz, with Sitharaman’s decision adding another layer of intrigue to the political landscape ahead of the elections.
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