EAM Jaishankar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Likely To Contest Lok Sabha Polls, Says Pralhad Joshi – News18

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Monday stated the possibility of the BJP fielding External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman from the constituencies in Karnataka in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

“Dr S Jaishankar and Nirmala Sitharaman may contest from Karnataka or from other state constituencies. There is still no clarity about the constituency,” Pralhad Joshi told reporters in Karnataka’s Hubballi, according to an ANI report.

Earlier this month, the Karnataka unit chief BY Vijayendra had confirmed that BJP and JDS will fight the elections together in all 28 Lok Sabha constituencies.

“All our leaders have assured our Home Minister (Amit Shah) that BJP and JDS will fight the elections unitedly in all 28 Lok Sabha constituencies and we will make 100 per cent efforts to win all 28 Lok Sabha seats,” said Karnataka BJP chief.

Presently, EAM Jaishankar is a member of Rajya Sabha from Gujarat whereas FM Nirmala Sitharaman represents Karnataka in the Upper House.

Meanwhile, the BJP on Saturday held a meeting with its state charges and co-in charges to discuss and strategise on the work to be done, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

The meeting was chaired by national president JP Nadda and national general secretary BL Santhosh and focused on achieving the target of 370 seats set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Sources said the top leadership asked the in charges to approach the upcoming polls with seriousness and dedication. “While working on the ground, everyone must show that it is a coordinated effort of leaders who have been given the responsibility by the Centre, along with the state team,” they told CNN-News18.

(With ANI inputs)