BJP poll panel to finalise UP candidates; list expected on Makar Sakranti

Vibha Sharma

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New Delhi, January 13

The BJP Central Election Committee is meeting to discuss and finalise candidates for the upcoming Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh.

The key decision-making body of the party is also expected to hold discussions on states that go to polls in the second phase, say sources.

While the majority of names for the initial phases have almost been finalised, the first list of candidates is expected soon.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is likely to contest from Ayodhya, say sources.

Over the past two days, the Uttar Pradesh state core group, which includes Yogi Adityanath and other senior leaders, has been holding meetings with the central leadership, including Home Minister Amit Shah and party president JP Nadda.

Nadda who tested Covid positive has been participating in these meetings virtually.

The filing of nomination for the first phase of the seven-phase Uttar Pradesh polls is set to begin on January 14.

The core group has been working to shortlist probable candidates, especially for constituencies which will go to the polls in the initial phases.

While the names are expected to be announced on Makar Sakranti, the party wants to keep some in the hold for the time being.

Despite her “declining vote share”, there is an eager wait for BSP supremo Mayawati to reveal her candidates.

Though the BJP wants to announce the majority of names as soon as possible, there are some seats on which it needs to tread cautiously, especially the ones where key rival Samajwadi Party has an upper hand, sources say.

This is where BSP leader Mayawati and her traditional vote share comes in.

The BSP has not allied with any party and is contesting all 403 seats alone.With a “declining” vote share projection, it is projected to win only eight to 16 seats. However, with a dedicated vote share it has the potential to spoil the chances of many.