The BJP's veteran MP and former wrestling administrator, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, will not be running for re-election in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
Instead, the BJP has nominated his son, Karan Bhushan Singh, as their candidate from Uttar Pradesh's Kaiserganj constituency.
This announcement, made recently, resolves the speculation surrounding the Kaiserganj seat and its incumbent MP.
In addition to Karan Bhushan Singh's nomination, the BJP also named Pratap Singh as its candidate from the Congress stronghold of Rae Bareli. The Congress has yet to announce its candidate from this prestigious seat, previously held by Sonia Gandhi.
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a six-term MP, faced significant political challenges due to allegations of misconduct, which led to protests by top wrestlers in the country. These charges prompted the BJP to seek an alternative candidate to avoid jeopardizing its electoral prospects in the politically crucial state. However, recognizing Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh's political influence in the region, the party has chosen his son as his replacement.
Earlier, sources in the BJP indicated that party leadership had discussed the issue with Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who was still insisting on contesting the elections.
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh's elder son, Pratik Bhushan Singh, is a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), while Karan Bhushan Singh currently heads the Uttar Pradesh wrestling body.
The Kaiserganj constituency will vote on May 20 in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections, with the nomination deadline being tomorrow.
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh gained attention last year when top wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, and Sakshi Malik, accused him of misconduct towards women wrestlers, leading to a large protest in the national capital. Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has denied these allegations, and the case is pending in a Delhi court.
Last month, the BJP leader blamed the media for the delay in announcing the party's candidate for Kaiserganj, stating, "You (media) people need not worry. The delay in announcing my candidature is because of you."
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