As BJP's Rajeev Chandrasekhar Marks End Of 18-Year MP Stint, Tharoor Suggests ‘Another Crack’ At Elective Office

BJP's Rajeev Chandrasekhar ends his 18-year political career, including three years as part of PM Modi's cabinet. He clarified that he would continue his political career as a BJP worker.

File photo of BJP's Rajeev Chandrasekhar

BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar announced the end of his nearly two-decade-long journey as a Member of Parliament from Lok Sabha. Chandrasekhar, who served with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Team Modi 2.0 for three years, expressed gratitude to those who supported him throughout his tenure. 

In a post on X, Chandrasekhar remarked, "Today marks the end of my 18 years long stint as a MP and my 3 years as Minister of State in the Council of Ministers under Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji.... My work and commitment to taking India forward and  Thiruvananthapuram, as a karyakarta of BJP remains as relentless as before. Thank you all who replied/msgd/called 🙏🏻🙏🏻"

Today marks the end of my 18 years long stint as a MP and my 3 years as Minister of State in the Council of Ministers under Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji.

A tweet - tweeted by a new young intern in my team - thanking everyone for their inspiration and support during…

— Rajeev Chandrasekhar 🇮🇳 (@RajeevRC_X) June 9, 2024

Thiruvananthapuram MP-elect Shashi Tharoor who defeated Chandrasekhar in the recent polls said, "As someone who discussed various issues with you during your stint in government, I have no doubt that there is much more you can contribute to our country through public service, @RajeevRC_X. Elective office is only one path (and you are young enough to have another crack at that too!) All the best for the future." 

As someone who discussed various issues with you during your stint in government, I have no doubt that there is much more you can contribute to our country through public service, @RajeevRC_X. Elective office is only one path (and you are young enough to have another crack at… https://t.co/7WBE6AFgOB

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) June 9, 2024

Chandrasekhar in his post clarified that his earlier post announcing a "curtain down" on his public service stint stands deleted to avoid confusion. In the deleted post, he had written, "Today curtains down on my 18-year stint of public service, of which 3 years I had the privilege to serve with PM @narendramodi ji's Team Modi 2.0. I certainly didn't intend to end my 18 years of public service as a candidate who lost an Election, but that's how it's turned out."

Chandrasekhar had extended his thanks to all those he met and those who supported him, especially highlighting the dedication of karyakartas and leaders who inspired and energised him. He also expressed appreciation for his colleagues in government over the last three years. As a BJP karyakarta, Chandrasekhar pledged to continue supporting and working within the party.

Modi Cabinet 2024

This announcement comes amidst the formation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's new council of ministers wherein Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nirmala Sitharaman, and S Jaishankar, among others, were retained in the new government. 72 ministers took oath, including several BJP leaders and representatives from allied parties within the National Democratic Alliance.

However, some notable omissions from the new government include outgoing ministers Smriti Irani, Parshottam Rupala, and Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who lost to Shashi Tharoor in a closely contested election.

The inclusion of BJP MPs Jitin Prasada and Raksha Khadse, alongside BJP National President J P Nadda's return to the government, were confirmed.