BJP aims to nominate 12 women candidates in Bengal for 2024 Lok Sabha elections

In preparation for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the West Bengal unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has outlined plans to field women candidates on at least 12 of the 42 seats in the state. Party sources revealed this goal, indicating a commitment to enhancing female representation.

A BJP state committee member expressed the ideal scenario would be to nominate women on 14 seats, aligning with the national aim of having at least 33% women candidates. Even if this target is not fully met, the party aims to surpass its 2019 performance when only five women candidates were fielded, with two, Locket Chatterjee and Devashree Chaudhary, securing victories.

If the BJP successfully nominates women on 12 seats, it would mark a considerable increase compared to the 2019 general elections. Chaudhary, one of the elected candidates, served as the Minister of State for Women and Child Development at the Center from May 2019 to July 2021.

BJP sources hinted at the possibility of prominent party members from the West Bengal Legislative Assembly and vocal women spokespersons being considered for the nominations. While BJP state president Sukant Majumdar emphasized that the final decision rests with the central leadership and there is ample time for candidate selection, he reiterated the party's commitment to promoting women leadership.