LS polls update: BJP to intensify its candidate screening process amid backlashes

The move comes after criticism and social media scrutiny forced singer Pawan Singh and sitting MP Upender Singh Rawat to withdraw their candidacies from West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, respectively.

Digital Desk: In response to public backlash leading to two candidates withdrawing from the Lok Sabha polls, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has intensified its screening process. The party, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, plans to announce its second list of contestants later this week. 

State units have been instructed to reevaluate potential candidates, considering factors such as background, criminal history, political record, and overall viability, the Hindustan Times reports. 

The move comes after criticism and social media scrutiny forced singer Pawan Singh and sitting MP Upender Singh Rawat to withdraw their candidacies from West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, respectively.

As per the reports, the BJP's central election committee is prioritizing a rigorous screening process to avoid future controversies. While the party evaluates candidates on various parameters, winnability remains a crucial factor, party chief JP Nadda earlier said in a TV interview. 

The recent incidents mark the first time the BJP withdrew candidates due to public outcry. The screening committees at the state level are mandated to scrutinize the credentials of potential contestants thoroughly.

In related news, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued stringent directives to West Bengal's bureaucracy ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar emphasized maintaining impartiality, transparency, and accessibility to all parties, warning against any form of violence or intimidation during the electoral process. Adequate deployment of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will be carried out in West Bengal to ensure a fair and secure voting environment.