The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has replaced two-time MP Kirron Kher with Sanjay Tandon as its candidate for the Chandigarh Lok Sabha seat. Tandon, a local resident and son of a former BJP leader, has been the party president in Chandigarh for almost a decade. This decision has caused surprise and division within the local BJP factions, as Kher has been the chosen candidate in the past two elections. This move highlights the ongoing internal struggles within the BJP in the run-up to the June 1 voting for the Chandigarh seat.
Sanjay Tandon: BJP's Surprise Candidate for Chandigarh Lok Sabha Seat
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has replaced two-time MP Kirron Kher with Sanjay Tandon as its candidate for the Chandigarh Lok Sabha seat. This decision has caused surprise and division within the local BJP factions, as Kher has been the chosen candidate in the past two elections.
Tandon, a local resident and son of a former BJP leader, has been the party president in Chandigarh for almost a decade. He is considered a strong organizational leader with deep roots in the local community.
However, his selection has not been met with universal approval. Some BJP leaders have expressed concerns about his lack of electoral experience and his ability to connect with the voters. Others have questioned the timing of the decision, as it could potentially damage the party's chances of retaining the seat.
Background
Kirron Kher, a veteran actress and wife of actor Anupam Kher, was first elected to the Chandigarh Lok Sabha seat in 2014. She was reelected in 2019, defeating Congress candidate Pawan Kumar Bansal by a margin of over 1.4 lakh votes.
However, Kher's health has been a concern in recent years. She was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2021 and has been undergoing treatment since then. Her absence from the constituency has led to speculation that she may not be able to contest the upcoming election.
FAQs
The BJP has not officially stated its reasons for replacing Kher. However, speculation suggests that her health issues and lack of active participation in the constituency may have played a role in the decision.
Tandon is a well-known figure in Chandigarh politics. He has been the party president for almost a decade and has a strong organizational base. However, he lacks electoral experience and has not contested any major elections in the past.
The Chandigarh seat is considered to be a safe seat for the BJP. However, the party's decision to replace Kher with Tandon could make the contest more competitive. The Congress has fielded former Union minister Pawan Kumar Bansal as its candidate, who is expected to give Tandon a tough fight.
The key issues in the Chandigarh election are likely to be inflation, unemployment, and the development of the city. The BJP is expected to focus on its record of governance, while the Congress is likely to highlight the rising cost of living and unemployment.
The Chandigarh Lok Sabha election will be held on June 1, 2023. The results will be announced on May 2, 2023.
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