BJP receives 3,200 applications,will retain sitting MLAs

In the first two-day meeting of the party’s election committee that concluded here on Saturday,leaders held discussions over the names of these candidates but took no decision about any particular seat. Sources in the party said the election committee has decided not to change candidates in those constituencies where sitting MLAs are from BJP.

A party leader said that women and youth would be in significant number in the list of the candidates. The first list of candidates is likely to be released by the end of this month. Sources said the party has received over 200 names from 82 seats reserved for Scheduled Caste. Likewise,35 Kisan Morcha workers have given their applications.

“Another meeting of the election committee would be called very soon to discuss the popularity and winning potential of the candidates and their dedication towards the party,” said Surya Pratap Shahi,party state president who presided over the election committee meeting. The meeting was organised at a resort far from party headquarters to avoid crowd of candidates.

After the second meeting,names of winnable candidates would be sent to the central Parliamentary board that would take decision over the first list,Shahi said. The election committee on Saturday entitled Shahi to discuss the names on its behalf with Central leadership.

Talking to The Sunday Express,Shahi said that popularity among voters,dedication towards the party,activeness in field and winning potential according to local equations were criteria that party has laid down to select candidates for upcoming Assembly elections.

Earlier,party in-charge and presidents of six different regions were also called in the meeting. The meetings of West and Kanpur regions were held on Saturday while discussion with office-bearers of other four regions was held on Friday.