Lok Sabha Elections 2019: Rahul Gandhi's Close Aide Jitin Prasada Puts End to Speculations of Him Joining BJP
Amid speculations of joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of Lok Sabha elections 2019, a close aide of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Jitin Prasada on Thursday denied all such reports
Lucknow, March 28: Amid speculations of joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of Lok Sabha elections 2019, a close aide of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Jitin Prasada on Thursday denied all such reports. While interacting with media, he said, “I am a disciplined soldier of the party and will do what I am told.” Earlier in the day, Congress workers also staged a demonstration demanding that Prasada should be given ticket from the Dhaurahra. Jitin Prasada, Close Aide of Rahul Gandhi, Joining BJP? Congress Leader Refuses to Answer 'Hypothetical' Question.
ANI's Tweet:
However, he showed reluctance in contesting from any other constituency apart from Dhaurahra. He said, "I have worked for 15 years with the people of Dhaurahra, this is a deep and unbreakable relation. Respecting the feeling of the people and workers, I will talk with the leadership and insist."
Prasada's statement:
Earlier, reports surfaced that, that Prasada is unhappy with the Congress party planning to nominate him from Lucknow seat. If this happens, then he will be contesting against Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh as Lucknow is considered to be a stronghold of Singh. However, the Congress is still to announce its candidate from Lucknow. BJD Stalwart Baijayant Panda Joins BJP, Days Ahead of Lok Sabha Elections 2019.
Jitin Prasada started his career with the Indian Youth Congress as a general secretary. In 2004, he won his first election and was elected Member of the Parliament in the 14th Lok Sabha from his hometown constituency of Shahjahanpur, UP. In his first tenure as Member of the Parliament (MP), Jitin Prasada was inducted as Minister of State for Steel and was one of the youngest ministers in the Cabinet.
In 2009 elections, Prasada fought and won the election from Dhaurara, as his home bastion Shahjahanpur came under the delimitation process.. He also served as Minister of State for Human Resource in Manmohan Singh’s cabinet. However, in the 2014 elections, he suffered a defeat from Dhaurara. BJP’s Rekha Verma bagged the seat.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 28, 2019 07:01 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).