Setting the stage for poll season, the BJP will announce its first tranche of candidates today at 6 PM. Sources indicate that over 170 names will be revealed, excluding Tamil Nadu and Odisha.
Top party brass, including PM Modi and Amit Shah, conducted marathon deliberations yesterday to finalize picks. State leaders were also present to provide local input for seats on their turf.
Former MP CM Shivraj Chouhan is tipped to get a ticket from Vidisha once more. Hema Malini, too, is likely to re-contest Mathura.
In what promises high-octane contests, Rajeev Chandrasekhar may take on Tharoor from Thiruvananthapuram.
Most seats where the BJP needs an edge are likely to feature. All eyes are on whether bigwigs are replaced or if experiments occur.
By announcing early, the party aims to one-up the opposition INDIA bloc facing alliance troubles. The lineup will also offer clues on future allies in the NDA.
With blockbuster names expected, keen watchers eagerly await tonight’s big reveal to see who makes the elite list. More surprises in store? The BJP has kickstarted poll season on a decisive note.
