Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman denied the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) invitation to fight the next Lok Sabha elections on Wednesday, stating that she “doesn’t have the kind of money”.
Sitharaman stated that BJP president JP Nadda offered her the choice of running in Andhra Pradesh or Tamil Nadu, but she declined, citing a lack of cash to contest the elections.
Statement given by Finance Minister
At the Times Now Summit 2024, the finance minister stated, “After thinking about it for a week or ten days, I just went back to say…maybe not.” I do not have that much money to compete.”
“I have an issue, whether in Andhra Pradesh or Tamil Nadu. Additionally, other winnability factors will be considered. Are you from this community or that religion? Are you from this? I said no, and I don’t believe I’ll be able to do it,” she continued.
Sitharaman expressed gratitude that they accepted her reasoning. So, I’m not contesting.” When challenged about the Finance Minister’s lack of cash for the Lok Sabha elections, she stated, “My salary, earnings, and savings are mine, not the Consolidated Fund of India… obviously I can’t.”
However, Sitharaman stated that she will continue to be a part of the BJP’s campaign path for the next elections. She will attend media events and campaign for several BJP candidates, including Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar.
Other candidates over the news
Speculation over Sitharaman’s candidature began when Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said that she and S Jaishankar will run in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, but the seats from which they would seek votes have yet to be determined.
While Sitharaman will not run in this election, the BJP has fielded several incumbent Rajya Sabha candidates, including Piyush Goyal, Bhupender Yadav, Rajiv Chandrasekhar, Mansukh Mandaviya, and Jyotiraditya Scindia.
The BJP has announced seven lists of candidates for the next general elections, including party heavyweights such as Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, and Rajnath Singh on the initial lists. The BJP’s surprise candidates, including actress Kangana Ranaut and Sandeshkhali violence survivor Rekha Patra, have also grabbed headlines in the previous week.
The 2024 Lok Sabha elections will take held in seven parts, beginning April 19 and ending on June 1. The counting will be completed on June 4, following which the results will be announced.
