Lok Sabha Elections 2019: Seat deal done, NDA allies turn focus on candidate selection - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Lok Sabha Elections 2019: Seat deal done, NDA allies turn focus on candidate selection

Hindustan Times, Patna | By, Patna
Mar 15, 2019 09:23 AM IST

The NDA had announced a 17-17-6 seat share for BJP, JD (U) and LJP at a joint press conference, held by respective party presidents Amit Shah, Nitish Kumar and Ram Vilas Paswan in Delhi, in December.

Even as rival Grand Alliance continues to grapple with the tricky seat share issue, the ruling Janata Dal-United on Thursday said the identification of specific seats for the three constituents of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has been finalised and an announcement can “come at any moment”.

After settling the issue of specific seat distribution, NDA allies have now set their eyes on candidate selection.(File)
After settling the issue of specific seat distribution, NDA allies have now set their eyes on candidate selection.(File)

“The process has been completed with mutual consent. The names of the respective Lok Sabha seats to be contested by the JD (U), BJP and LJP will be announced jointly by NDA leaders, any time now,” said party national general secretary RCP Singh.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The NDA had announced a 17-17-6 seat share for BJP, JD (U) and LJP at a joint press conference, held by respective party presidents Amit Shah, Nitish Kumar and Ram Vilas Paswan in Delhi, in December.

After settling the issue of specific seat distribution, NDA allies have now set their eyes on candidate selection.

While the BJP has constituted a three-member committee for candidate selection on Thursday, the JD (U) had entrusted the task for short-listing probable nominees to a committee headed by state president Bashistha Narain Singh in January.  

“We are almost through the candidate selection process. The name of NDA nominees will also be announced jointly at a date fixed in consultation with allies. It will be present a portrait of the broad social combination, represented and complimented by the allies,” Singh said.

The national general secretary of the JD(U) strongly refuted reports of discontent in the party.

Incidentally, Karakat has become a bone of contention for four Kushwaha candidates, after Nagmani has entered the ring to take on sitting MP and former union minister Upendra Kushwaha.

Singh said that there was nothing unusual in leaders and workers aspiring for a ticket. “Emotions run high in every political party during poll season. But it gets sorted out as the dust settles. Everything is fine. Nobody is angry. Everybody will be assigned work and responsibility for ensuring victory of party nominees,” he said.

He said the party would also be putting up candidates on three Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh — Pilibhit, Robertsganj and Akbarpur.

Meanwhile, state president Singh tried to lift the cloud surrounding national vice president Prashant Kishore’s role in ensuing LS polls after he ruffled feathers in the party with his remark on being a ‘king-maker’ saying, “JD (U) will use his managerial skills to the hilt.”

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    With 23 years of experience as a journalist with the Hindustan Times, Anil Kumar has been covering a wide variety of news and issues. He has interest in business and has covered political beats, especially the Congress and the JD(U).

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On