Maneka Gandhi reveals why Varun Gandhi was denied election ticket by BJP: Report

According to Maneka Gandhi, Varun’s criticisms about the policies of the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre could be the possible reason, news agency PTI reported.

The BJP has replaced Varun Gandhi with Uttar Pradesh minister Jitin Prasada as its candidate from Pilibhit, which went to polls in the first phase on April 19.

"Well, I can't say I was delighted, but I am sure Varun will do very well even without a ticket," the BJP leader was quoted as saying by PTI.

She described Pilibhit as Varun Gandhi’s karmabhoomi' (workplace), and added that Varun should have been BJP’s candidate from the constituency in this election also.

She, however, said that the party has decided to not field him this time and that decision is final.

"Yes, he should have been there, but the party has taken a decision and that's it," she said, the report added.

The BJP has nominated Maneka Gandhi as its candidate for the Sultanpur seat in Uttar Pradesh, which is scheduled to vote on May 25 during the sixth phase of the seven-phase general elections.

As an eight-time MP, Maneka Gandhi emphasized that her campaign is centered around addressing the local issues of Sultanpur to garner support from the voters.

Pilibhit is tied in a three-way contest among candidates from the BJP, the INDIA bloc, and the BSP.

The constituency has been held by either Maneka Gandhi or her son since 1996. Maneka Gandhi secured victories in the constituency in 1998 and 1999 as an Independent candidate.

Thereafter, she won the seat in 2004 and 2014 as a BJP candidate. Her son, Varun Gandhi, emerged victorious in the seat in 2009 and 2019 as a BJP candidate.