The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced its fifth list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, featuring 111 names from 17 states. The list includes actress Kangana Ranaut, Ramayan's Ram Arun Govil, and former Union Ministers Maneka Gandhi and Naveen Jindal. Former Calcutta High Court judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay, who recently joined the party, will also be contesting in West Bengal. Prominent leaders like Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan, Ravi Shankar Prasad, and Rajiv Pratap Rudy have also been selected as candidates.
Naveen Jindal: Political Journey and BJP Candidacy
Background:
Naveen Jindal is an Indian industrialist and former politician who was associated with the Indian National Congress (INC) for nearly two decades. The son of billionaire industrialist O.P. Jindal, Naveen joined the party in 1992 and quickly rose through the ranks.
In 2004, Jindal was elected to the Lok Sabha from the Kurukshetra constituency in Haryana. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for three consecutive terms, representing the INC. During his tenure, he held various ministerial positions, including Minister of Steel, Mines, and Coal (2011-2012).
Shift to BJP:
In 2014, Jindal parted ways with the INC and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The move was seen as a major setback for the Congress and a boost for the BJP. Jindal cited several reasons for his departure, including dissatisfaction with the party leadership and its handling of economic issues.
BJP Candidacy:
In March 2024, the BJP announced that Jindal would be contesting the Lok Sabha elections from Kurukshetra constituency once again. This marked his return to electoral politics after a decade. The BJP's decision to field Jindal in a key constituency is seen as a sign of the party's confidence in his abilities and his potential to win over voters.
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