After MP, BJP may field big guns in other states

Akin to its Madhya Pradesh strategy of fielding MPs and Union ministers for the state assembly polls, the BJP is looking to replicate this model in Rajasthan as well where it may field several MPs in constituencies where their caste is dominant. The party is in the process of finalising names for the first list of candidates for the Rajasthan polls.

Continuing with its latest strategy for announcing candidates much ahead of the announcement of the poll schedule for the upcoming assembly polls, the BJP's central election committee (CEC) met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party chief JP Nadda on Sunday. The prospective candidates for Chhattisgarh polls were also discusse. The party may field several MPs in Chhattisgarh, including its state unit chief Arun Sao.

Prior to the CEC meeting late Sunday evening, several meetings were held in Delhi over the last two days with BJP leaders from Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. Leaders from both states met at Nadda's residence which was also attended by Union home minister Amit Shah.

The BJP may announce its first list of candidates for Rajasthan during Navratri which could include more than 30 names including those of former chief minister Vasundhara Raje Scindia, leader of the opposition Rajendra Rathore, former state unit chief Satish Poonia and several others. The party is also likely to field several MPs including Kirori Lal Meena, Sukhbir Singh Jaunpuria, Diya Kumari and Baba Balak Nath among others. Jaunpuria is a Gurjar, Meena an ST, Kumari hails from the royal family of Jaipur and Balak Nath is a Yadav. There is also a possibility that some Union ministers may be fielded as candidates for the assembly polls to send a message on collective leadership.

The party may also announce candidates for Chhattisgarh around the same time. It has already announced 21 candidates.

In both states, the BJP has made it clear that the candidates would be shortlisted based on ground reports and surveys. Only one ticket would be given for one family.