GG News Bureau
Bhopal, 24th Oct: BJP veteran and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Uma Bharti has hinted at her return to electoral politics, announcing her intention to contest the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. Speaking to reporters at her residence in Bhopal, Bharti made it clear that she will not compromise on her choice of constituency.
“I have informed the party that I am ready to contest the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. If the party desires, I will definitely contest, but I will contest only from Jhansi. If the party asks, I will not say no,” Uma Bharti said.
Explaining her preference for Jhansi, Bharti stated that the constituency is close to her birthplace and forms part of the Bundelkhand region, which she considers her “emotional home.” She emphasized her strong connection with the local populace and her commitment to driving development in the area.
It is noteworthy that Uma Bharti had previously contested and won the Jhansi parliamentary seat in 2014, serving as a Union Minister. Prior to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, she had announced a break from active politics, but now she has conveyed her intention to the party. The current BJP MP from Jhansi, Anurag Sharma, is serving his second consecutive term. Bharti clarified that she will contest only if the party grants her a ticket and the sitting MP has no objections.
Addressing speculations that she had been sidelined politically, Uma Bharti responded firmly, stating, “I am not on the political margins even by a fraction.” She added that during her hiatus from active electoral politics, she has been actively engaged in national initiatives like cow welfare and Ganga conservation.
Speaking on these initiatives, Bharti highlighted the importance of cows and the Ganga for an Atmanirbhar Bharat. She urged the provision of grazing grounds for farmers and suggested that beneficiaries of government schemes such as ‘Ladli Bahna’ could be entrusted with cow care in gaushalas to promote women’s self-reliance. She also announced upcoming events, including the Gopashtami program in Bhopal on October 29 and the Ganga Nirmal campaign in Prayagraj on November 4.
Support for “One Nation, One Election” and Other Views
Uma Bharti expressed strong support for the “One Nation, One Election” concept, stating that it would remove several developmental obstacles and should cover all elections—Lok Sabha, assembly, municipal, and panchayat—within a 45-day window.
She also commented on remarks by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav regarding Lord Krishna being called ‘Gopal,’ advising leaders to avoid religious debates, which she said should be left to saints. Bharti’s announcement has also sparked discussion within the Uttar Pradesh BJP, as she belongs to the Lodhi OBC community, which holds significant influence across Bundelkhand and several western UP constituencies.
