Nirmala Sitharaman Opts Out Of 2024 Lok Sabha Election Due To 'Lack Of Funds'
As a Rajya Sabha member from Karnataka, Sitharaman outlined her plans to support other candidates during the campaign.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has decided against contesting in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, citing financial constraints. According to her, BJP President JP Nadda offered her the opportunity to contest from either Andhra Pradesh or Tamil Nadu but she could not say 'Yes' because of insufficient funds required for campaigning.
Sitharaman expressed her concerns,stating, "After thinking for a week or ten days, I went back to say, 'Maybe not'. I do not have that kind of money to contest." She highlighted the complex criteria involved in candidate selection, including factors like community and religion, which further deterred her decision to contest.
Acknowledging her financial limitations, Sitharaman emphasized that her personal resources are distinct from the Consolidated Fund of India, asserting, "My salary, my earnings, and my savings are mine and not the Consolidated Fund of India."
The BJP accepted her decision, and Sitharaman expressed gratitude, affirming, "I am very grateful they accepted my argument... So I am not contesting."
As a Rajya Sabha member from Karnataka, Sitharaman outlined her plans to support other candidates during the campaign. She mentioned attending media events and joining candidates on the campaign trail, indicating her active involvement despite not contesting personally.
The ruling BJP's strategy for the Lok Sabha elections involves fielding several existing Rajya Sabha members, including Piyush Goyal, Bhupender Yadav, Rajiv Chandrasekhar, Mansukh Mandaviya, and Jyotiraditya Scindia, in constituencies across the country. However, Sitharaman's decision not to contest reflects the financial realities and complexities involved in election campaigns.
Overall, Sitharaman's decision sheds light on the financial challenges faced by politicians and the intricate dynamics influencing candidate selection within political parties. Despite stepping back from contesting, Sitharaman remains committed to contributing to the party's electoral efforts by supporting fellow candidates and engaging in campaign activities.
