BJP’s Paras Nath Rai to take on Afzal Ansari from Ghazipur: The BJP’s Choice for Ghazipur

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has revealed Paras Nath Rai as its candidate for the Ghazipur Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh. The decision sparked interest and speculation, especially in the Purvanchal region. Let’s delve into how his name was chosen.

The Background

Ghazipur holds significance in Purvanchal politics, often being a focal point for major narratives. The BJP’s decision to field Paras Nath Rai raised eyebrows, leading to discussions on the selection process.

The Selection Process

The BJP aimed to nominate a ‘Bhumihar’ candidate from Purvanchal. Initially, there were considerations for Manoj Sinha, a prominent Bhumihar leader, and his son Abhinav Sinha. However, with Manoj Sinha’s commitments in Jammu and Kashmir, Abhinav’s candidacy faced criticism of ‘nepotism.’

The Need for a Bhumihar Candidate

Ghazipur emerged as a constituency where a Bhumihar candidate could be fielded. The decision was strategic, aiming to resonate with Bhumihars across various regions. Thakur Neeraj Shekhar was chosen for Ballia, leaving Ghazipur open for a Bhumihar candidate.

Enter Paras Nath Rai

After considering Alka Rai and others, the RSS suggested Paras Nath Rai, a retired principal and active RSS worker. With a clean image and no negative associations, Paras Nath Rai presented an opportunity to contrast “Ansari’s muscle power” with the “Sangh’s clean image” in Ghazipur.

The Outcome

The BJP high command approved Paras Nath Rai’s nomination, setting the stage for a showdown against Afzal Ansari. The election results will ultimately determine the success of this strategic move.

In summary, Paras Nath Rai’s selection as the BJP candidate for Ghazipur reflects strategic considerations and aims to create a compelling narrative in the upcoming elections.