Kangana Ranaut To Yusuf Pathan — Key Debutants Vie For Victory In Lok Sabha Election 2024

The upcoming Lok Sabha elections 2024 features notable debutants seeking political prominence, including Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Bansuri Swaraj, Kangana Ranaut, Arun Govil, and Yusuf Pathan.

File Photos of BJP's Kangana Ranaut (L), Rajeev Chandrasekhar (C), and TMC candidate Yusuf Pathan (R) ( Image Source :PTI )

The Lok Sabha elections, slated in 7 phases from April 19 to June 1, have drawn attention to several key debutants vying for political prominence, also making it a star-studded affair with the inclusion of several celebrities. With results to be announced on June 4, the political landscape is set for exciting contests. The upcoming General elections feature notable debutants including Rajeev Chandrasekhar in Kerala, Bansuri Swaraj in New Delhi, Kangana Ranaut in Himachal Pradesh, Abhijit Gangopadhyay in West Bengal, Arun Govil in Uttar Pradesh, and Yusuf Pathan in West Bengal. 

Prominent Debutants In Lok Sabha Election 2024

Rajeev Chandrasekhar: One notable contest unfolds in Kerala, where Minister of State for Information Technology and Skill Development, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, faces seasoned Congress leader Shashi Tharoor. Chandrasekhar, a multifaceted personality with a background in technology and entrepreneurship, embarks on his maiden Lok Sabha electoral journey. He has also served as a Member of Parliament in the upper house (Rajya Sabha) from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) representing Karnataka. 

Bansuri Swaraj:  Bansuri Swaraj, daughter of the late Union Minister Sushma Swaraj, steps into the electoral fray as the BJP candidate from the New Delhi Lok Sabha constituency. The youngest BJP candidate in Delhi recently told PTI, "My 'Sangh Ayu' (affiliation) is 24 years. I started my political life as an ABVP worker". She mentioned that she served the party and organisation as a lawyer for the last 10 years. "I got the first responsibility in the party as co-convener of the legal cell of Delhi BJP, four years after the passing away of my mother," she added.

Kangana Ranaut Vs Vikramaditya Singh: The inclusion of Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut as the BJP candidate from the Mandi Lok Sabha seat in Himachal Pradesh adds a dash of excitement to the political arena. Renowned for her portrayals of strong female characters, Ranaut's acclaimed works include films like 'Queen' and 'Fashion'. In 2020, Kangana Ranaut was awarded the Padma Shri, the country's fourth-highest civilian award. She is to faceoff with Congress MLA and Himachal minister Vikramaditya Singh who is the son of incumbent Mandi MP Pratibha Singh and former chief minister late Virbhadra Singh.

Abhijit Gangopadhyay: Former Calcutta High Court judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay transitions from the judiciary to politics, securing a BJP ticket for the Tamluk seat in West Bengal. He stepped down as High Court judge to join the BJP this year. Last year, he sparked controversy with his remarks on TMC general secretary Abhishek Banerjee's alleged involvement in the 'school jobs for cash scam' during an interview, which drew flak from the Supreme Court, which directed that sitting judges should refrain from giving media interviews.

Arun Govil: Further diversifying the candidate pool, Ramayan TV serial actor Arun Govil threw his hat into the political ring, contesting from his birthplace — Uttar Pradesh's Meerut. He is best known for portraying Lord Rama in the Ramayan TV series and King Vikramaditya in his television series 'Vikram Aur Betaal'.

Yusuf Pathan: Former Team India cricketer Yusuf Pathan embarks on a political journey under the Trinamool Congress banner, contesting the Baharampur seat in West Bengal against five-time Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury. Pathan in his cricketing career was a right-handed attacking batsman and right-arm spinner who in his debut in the 2007 T20 World Cup final against Pakistan became a part of the title win. 

'Rajmata' Amrita Roy: The BJP's nomination of 'Rajmata' Amrita Roy from the Krishnanagar seat in West Bengal signifies a strategic move, leveraging regional affiliations and historical legacies to bolster its electoral prospects in a seat previously represented by TMC's Mahua Moitra before her expulsion from Lok Sabha. Amrita Roy is from the royal family of Krishnanagar and holds the title of 'Rajmata of the Rajbari' which means she is the Queen Mother of the seat's royal palace. Her candidature directly links Maharaja Krishna Chandra Roy's name with politics while his legacy is still celebrated and honoured in the eastern state.

The names in this article are according to Lok Sabha candidate lists released so far, additional names will be added as more names are announced.

In the 2019 parliamentary elections, the BJP clinched 303 seats, aiming for a third consecutive term, while the Congress secured 52 seats. Amidst this backdrop, the Opposition, particularly the bloc represented by I.N.D.IA, is gearing up to halt the BJP's momentum.