NEW DELHI: BJP leader Maneka Gandhi suggested that son Varun Gandhi's occasional critical writings about the government could have been a contributing factor behind denial of Lok Sabha ticket from Pilibhit.
She however expressed confidence in Varun's abilities to excel even without the ticket and mentioned that Varun expressed interest in campaigning for her in Sultanpur but a decision on that matter is pending.When asked if his writings on certain subjects that were critical of the government cost him the ticket, Maneka said, "I can't think of one other reason.
"Maneka emphasized her focus on local issues during her campaigns and expressed optimism about her current electoral prospects compared to previous elections.
Reflecting on her late husband Sanjay Gandhi's developmental legacy in the region, she acknowledged his enduring impact on the people's memory.
Varun Gandhi, in response to being denied a ticket, penned an emotional letter to his constituents, affirming his continued connection with them.The Sultanpur constituency in Uttar Pradesh is scheduled for polls on May 25, while polling in Pilibhit took place in the first phase on April 19.
NEW DELHI: BJP leader Maneka Gandhi suggested that son Varun Gandhi's occasional critical writings about the government could have been a contributing factor behind denial of Lok Sabha ticket from Pilibhit. She however expressed confidence in Varun's abilities to excel even without the ticket and mentioned that Varun expressed interest in campaigning for her in Sultanpur but a decision on that matter is pending.When asked if his writings on certain subjects that were critical of the government cost him the ticket, Maneka said, "I can't think of one other reason."In an interview with PTI, Maneka addressed the decision on Varun not receiving a ticket from Pilibhit, acknowledging calls for his candidacy from the region but accepting the party's decision.Regarding Varun Gandhi's future electoral prospects, Maneka indicated that while Pilibhit holds significance, he is free to work across India saying that "at the moment, of course, Pilibhit, and India is his karmabhoomi, let him work all over."Maneka emphasized her focus on local issues during her campaigns and expressed optimism about her current electoral prospects compared to previous elections. Reflecting on her late husband Sanjay Gandhi's developmental legacy in the region, she acknowledged his enduring impact on the people's memory."The family is remembered and he is remembered a lot", she said.Maneka Gandhi also commented on the BJP's narrative in Uttar Pradesh, noting the significance of the Ram temple issue in Ayodhya but suggesting it's not a prominent theme in the Sultanpur election discourse.Responding to Congress leader Sam Pitroda's comments on inheritance tax, she criticized his remarks and expressed her personal disagreement with the tax policy and dismissed PM Modi's statements on wealth redistribution as a reaction to Pitroda's comments.Discussing government schemes, Maneka highlighted the impact of ration distribution and housing initiatives on the ground. However, she refrained from analyzing the BJP's performance in the ongoing Lok Sabha polls, focusing on her own campaign instead.Refraining from making predictions about her electoral victory margin, she expressed confidence in winning the seat."I don't make predictions. We will win this seat but by how much, I have no idea", she said.In 2019, Maneka Gandhi secured victory in Sultanpur with a notable margin while this time, she faces competition from Ram Bhual Nishad of the Samajwadi Party.The BJP replaced Varun Gandhi with Jitin Prasada for the Pilibhit seat, continuing the family's long-standing association with the constituency. Varun Gandhi, in response to being denied a ticket, penned an emotional letter to his constituents, affirming his continued connection with them.The Sultanpur constituency in Uttar Pradesh is scheduled for polls on May 25, while polling in Pilibhit took place in the first phase on April 19.
