40 BJP MPs From UP May Lose Ticket In 2019 Polls: Reports

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Lucknow: Reports suggest that the 40 BJP MPs in Uttar Pradesh, who stand the risk of losing their tickets for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, have started exploring possibilities in opposition parties.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has almost made it clear that it would change the tickets on 40 Lok Sabha seats and most of those being denied tickets have already started looking for greener pastures elsewhere.

BJP MPs like Savitri Bai Phule, Yeshwant Singh and Chhotelal Kharwar, who revolted against the party leadership on more than one occasion may face the axe while veteran leaders like Dr Murli Manohar Joshi and Mr Kalraj Misra would be pushed into retirement due to the age factor.

A sitting BJP MP from eastern Uttar Pradesh on condition of anonymity said, “Since we have come to know that we may not be re-nominated for the 2019 elections, it is only natural that we are probing possibilities in other parties. As politicians, we cannot sit at home for the next five years.”

According to sources in the BSP, nine BJP MPs have contacted the leadership and are lobbying for a BSP ticket in the upcoming elections. About half a dozen BJP MPs are also in touch with the Samajwadi Party. Some of them have even met Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav.

Furthermore, four BJP MPs have also contacted the Congress leadership for tickets. Congress is waiting for the political situation to crystallise, especially regarding the alliance, before it gives them assurance.

Apart from MPs, several BJP MLAs who are keen to contest the Lok Sabha elections, are also contacting opposition parties for tickets.

The BJP, on the other hand, said the party was determined to repeat its 2014 success in Uttar Pradesh and feels “non-performing MPs” could prove to be a major liability for the party.

“There are MPs whom we have identified for not performing well in their constituencies. They have lagged behind in spending MPLAD funds and are not active on social media. They do not even stay in their constituencies for 21 days a month, as directed by the Prime Minister. We are regularly taking feedback from their constituencies and these MPs may not get tickets in the next election”, said a senior party leader.

Also Read: BJP Led Coalition To Score Slight Majority In 2019: Opinion Poll

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