Senior BJP Leader Questions Need for Candidacy

When a political party announces its list of candidates for elections, it’s common for many to feel disappointed if they aren’t selected. However, in this case, a senior BJP leader seems upset not because he wasn’t chosen, but because he was.

Kailash Vijayvargiya, the national general secretary of the BJP and a seasoned politician, expressed his surprise at being included on the party’s candidate list. He mentioned that he had absolutely no desire, not even 1 percent, to contest in this election.

Speaking to his supporters at an event, the 67-year-old leader candidly admitted, “I’m not internally content with this decision. I’m speaking the truth. I had no intention to run for office, not even the slightest. As a senior leader now, should I be seeking votes with folded hands? My plan was to give speeches and step aside.”

Mr. Vijayvargiya has been nominated to contest from the Indore-1 Assembly seat. He has previously served as the Mayor of Indore, held a cabinet minister position in the Madhya Pradesh government, and held prominent roles within the BJP. His son, Akash, is the current MLA from the Indore-3 seat.

“I had planned to conduct total eight public meetings—five by helicopter and three by car. But as they say, what we plan often doesn’t happen. Things unfold according to God’s will. It seems He wants me to contest elections and connect with the people once more. I still can’t believe that I’m a candidate, that I’ve been given a ticket,” he exclaimed, receiving enthusiastic cheers from his supporters.

In another media interaction, Mr. Vijayvargiya expressed his gratitude, saying, “I consider myself fortunate that the party has chosen me once again for an electoral contest. I will do my best to meet the party’s expectations.”

Currently, the Indore-1 constituency is represented by Sanjay Shukla from the Congress.

“There is significant potential for the development in Indore-1 Assembly constituency. Many people there lack basic amenities,” Mr. Vijayvargiya observed.

Regarding the BJP’s decision not to announce a Chief Ministerial candidate, he explained that the party adheres to a “collective leadership” model. “Elections are pending in four states, yet no leader has been declared. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is leading the campaign. This is our strategy,” he clarified.

The BJP veteran is among several heavyweight candidates chosen for the Assembly polls this time. The second list of candidates released on Monday included the names of seven MPs, three of whom are Union Ministers.

This move has generated significant discussion in political circles. The BJP’s decision to field prominent figures is seen by some as a message to Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who has not been included in any of the lists released so far. Critics have also suggested that the BJP’s decision to rely on heavyweight candidates indicates a defensive stance in these elections.

Randeep Singh Surjewala of the Congress has remarked that Mr. Chouhan is certain of the BJP’s defeat and is attempting to erase the political identity of his rivals within the party.

“A CM, seven MPs, including three Union Ministers, and a national general secretary—yet they won’t be able to retain power,” he remarked.