Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has made the decision to decline the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) offer to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from Andhra Pradesh or Tamil Nadu. Sitharaman cited financial constraints and concerns over the prevailing winnability criteria as key factors influencing her decision.
During a recent media interaction, Sitharaman expressed her hesitation, stating, “I do not have that kind of money to contest.” She also highlighted concerns regarding the winnability criteria, which often includes considerations related to community, religion, and other factors.
Sitharaman emphasized that her decision was rooted in personal financial limitations, asserting, “My salary, my earnings, and my savings are mine and not the Consolidated Fund of India.”
The senior BJP leader’s decision comes after careful consideration over a period of a week or ten days. Despite the party’s offer, Sitharaman ultimately determined that contesting in the Lok Sabha elections was not feasible given her financial situation and the various criteria involved.
Sitharaman’s announcement was made during the TIMES NOW Summit 2024, where she elaborated on her reasons for declining the offer. Her decision underscores the importance of financial considerations and personal circumstances in the realm of political participation.
With Sitharaman opting out of the electoral race, the BJP will need to explore alternative candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
