The announcement of Ramesh Awasthi as the BJP candidate for the Kanpur Lok Sabha seat has stirred discussions within the party. Ramesh Awasthi will contest against Congress’ Aalok Mishra and BSP’s Kuldeep Bhadauria for the Kanpur seat. Despite being relatively unknown, Awasthi’s nomination has surprised many, considering the presence of seasoned politicians in the fray. This move marks the first time in 33 years that Brahmin candidates will compete for the Kanpur seat, adding further intrigue to the political landscape. 

The BJP’s decision to nominate Awasthi reflects a strategic shift in its candidate selection process. Notable figures like Satyadev Pachauri and Avneesh Awasthi, who were initially considered for tickets, were replaced by lesser-known candidates. Similarly, Congress witnessed a shuffle, with former MLA Ajay Kapoor joining the BJP. Despite speculations surrounding other candidates, Awasthi’s sudden rise has dominated political discussions.

Awasthi’s nomination has raised questions about his alignment with the strategies of PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. Speculations about the forces backing him have been rife, especially after his controversial announcement of his resignation on social media. His unexpected candidacy has added a layer of uncertainty to the upcoming elections in Kanpur.

Despite being originally from Farrukhabad, Awasthi has strong ties to Kanpur, where he has spent a significant part of his life. His deep connections within the community and involvement in local affairs have earned him recognition. His campaign focuses on issues like development and corruption, resonating with the electorate’s concerns and leaving the final decision to the voters.

Kanpur, historically influenced by the Ram Mandir movement and Sangh ideology, has seen significant political shifts over the years. Despite fluctuations in BJP’s performance, the party’s nomination strategy, particularly focusing on Brahmin candidates, underscores its understanding of Kanpur’s political dynamics. With BJP’s stronghold and public support, its candidate is expected to fare well in the upcoming elections.

The nomination of Ramesh Awasthi has injected a new dynamic into Kanpur’s political arena. While the BJP candidate is seen as a strong contender, Congress’ Aalok Mishra has dismissed Awasthi as an ”outsider”. However, Awasthi has emphasized his longstanding connection to Kanpur, framing the election as a choice between development and corruption, ultimately leaving the decision to the electorate.

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