BJP's Lok Sabha elections first list: What surprise picks and selection tell about Modi and Co's big plan for 'Abhi Baar 400 Paar'

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

BJP) has released its first list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, and it has brought some surprises. While 34 ministers have been retained, several MPs and even ministers have been dropped to make way for new faces. Let's take a look at some of the factors that may have influenced these decisions.

Winnability Key Factor

One of the key factors considered by the BJP is the candidates" winnability. The party has chosen two former chief ministers and some Rajya Sabha members who are popular in their respective states. The BJP has never shied away from moving leaders between states and the Centre as per its requirements.

In the state assembly elections last year, the BJP fielded several MPs in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh to counter any anti-incumbency sentiment against the state leaders. Now, for the national elections, the party has selected former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to contest the Lok Sabha elections.

BJP not hesitant to sideline senior leaders

Another factor that the BJP emphasizes is that the party is supreme. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and BJP Chief J P Nadda hold the reins of the party firmly. Many prominent leaders who were in the spotlight in the last five years are missing from the first list. Unlike other parties, the BJP is not hesitant to sideline senior leaders or heavyweights for fear of rebellion or adverse results.

Giving Preference to New Names

The BJP's first list also includes several new faces who