1. Maneka and Varun Gandhi, were absent from Pilibhit’s electoral scene after nearly three decades.
2. Modi calls for support for Jitin Prasada, BJP’s Lok Sabha candidate for the constituency.
3. Prime Minister Modi addresses his first public meeting in Pilibhit amid notable absences.
Pilibhit, April 10: Maneka and Varun Gandhi, absent from Pilibhit’s electoral scene for the first time in nearly three decades, were notably missing as Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed his inaugural public meeting there.
Modi urged support for Jitin Prasada, UP’s public works minister and the BJP’s Lok Sabha candidate for the constituency.
Having represented Pilibhit in the Lok Sabha for multiple terms, both Varun and Maneka Gandhi are absent from the fray this time.
Varun Gandhi, BJP’s sitting MP, served two terms, while Maneka won from Pilibhit for six consecutive terms.
The party nominated Jitin Prasada instead of Varun, and Maneka is contesting from Sultanpur, her 2019 winning seat.
Speculations about Varun’s presence circulated throughout the day, but his supporters clarified he was out of town with no scheduled visits.
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Before Modi’s arrival, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, BJP state unit president Bhupendra Chaudhary, Pilibhit candidate Jitin Prasada, and Bareilly candidate Chhatrapal Gangwar were present on the dais.
Pilibhit BJP unit leaders noted that neither Maneka nor Varun were listed as star campaigners for the LS election or invited to campaign in the eight seats, including Pilibhit, contesting in the first phase on April 19.
“Varun has not been given a ticket… it’s the party’s decision. He has been a good MP. Whatever he will be in life, he will do good for the country,” Maneka Gandhi commented to the media earlier.
Since 1996, either Maneka or Varun has held the Pilibhit seat. Varun won in 2009 and 2019, securing a significant margin both times. Known for advocating farmers’ and youths’ issues, Varun often veered from the party line.
His emotional letter to constituents recalled childhood memories and emphasized his commitment to serving the common man’s interests.
“I came into politics to raise the voice of the common man, and today I seek your blessings to always continue doing this work. The relationship between me and Pilibhit is one of love and trust, which is far above any political merit. I was, am and will be yours,” wrote Varun, reflecting on his deep bond with the region and its people.
