In the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is reportedly considering benching three notable figures, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, Poonam Mahajan, and Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, stirring speculation and anticipation among political circles.
Sources within the party have hinted at the possible sidelining of these members amidst allegations and concerns over performance and feedback from their respective constituencies. Singh, a former president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and Member of Parliament from Kaiserganj, has been embroiled in controversy, facing allegations of sexual harassment. Mahajan, the sitting MP from Mumbai North Central, and Namgyal, representing Ladakh, are also under scrutiny for what party sources describe as “non-performance” and negative feedback from their constituencies.
The decision regarding Singh’s replacement is on hold pending a court order related to the sexual assault case against him. However, there are suggestions that his wife, Ketki Devi Singh, could replace him as the BJP nominee—a move seen as a boost to women’s leadership, a key plank for the party. Mahajan’s replacement remains undisclosed, although media reports speculate that senior advocate Ujjwal Nikam is among those being considered for the Mumbai North Central seat.
The constituency, historically a Congress stronghold, witnessed a shift towards the BJP with Mahajan’s victory in 2014, further solidifying in 2019. However, concerns over her performance and feedback from constituents have cast doubt on her re-nomination.
As for Namgyal’s future candidacy, it appears uncertain, with party sources citing similar reasons for his potential exclusion. All three seats, including Kaiserganj, Mumbai North Central, and Ladakh, are scheduled for polling in the fifth phase on May 20, with the last date for filing nominations set for May 3.
The BJP’s deliberations over these prominent figures reflect the party’s strategic assessment and readiness to respond to challenges ahead of the elections. The final decisions, however, are awaited, with anticipation building over potential replacements and their impact on the electoral landscape.
