Gujarat BJP Candidate Selection Criteria for Local Polls Circulates on Social Media

Vadodara: A purported internal document outlining the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party’s (BJP) candidate selection criteria for the upcoming local elections has surfaced on social media, triggering political buzz across the state. The document details eligibility norms, organisational discipline, and campaign planning measures.

Reacting to the viral pamphlet, Vadodara city BJP president Dr. Jayaprakash Soni said, “The Bhartiya Janata Party has already declared its criteria. The guidelines remain the same as last time, candidates should not be above 60 years of age, should not have served more than three terms, and those with close blood relations in positions will not be given tickets. All these provisions are within legal bounds. These rules were in place earlier as well and have now been reiterated. I am not fully aware of the pamphlet being circulated, but organisationally we have also received the criteria, and decisions on ticket distribution will be made accordingly.”

He further added, “Those who have presented themselves before the party will be assessed as per the criteria, and the parliamentary board will take the final decision on awarding tickets to eligible candidates.”

Interestingly, the first guideline in the internal communication emphasises strict confidentiality during the selection process, directing party members not to disclose discussions from internal meetings to the media.

The document reiterates the principle of “one person, one post,” stating that party workers holding organisational positions at the mandal, district, metropolitan, or state level must resign from their posts if they are allotted a ticket.

In terms of eligibility, several conditions have been outlined. Individuals above 60 years of age will not be allowed to contest. Those whose family members currently hold positions in the party or government have also been barred. Additionally, candidates who have contested elections three times from the same unit will not be considered.

The party has stressed prioritising dedicated workers in candidate selection, discouraging preference for individuals from NGOs or other political parties. It has also called for broader social representation by ensuring participation from diverse communities.

As per Election Commission norms, individuals with more than three children born after 2005, as well as those lacking a toilet facility at home, will be deemed ineligible to contest.

The BJP has further advised that any dissatisfaction among party workers following candidate selection should be addressed through proper grievance redressal mechanisms.

On the organisational front, party units have been instructed to finalise nomination filing dates in advance and ensure strong participation of workers during the process. The use of dummy candidates has also been suggested to avoid technical disqualifications.

Additionally, the party has called for strategic planning to counter opposition candidates, including independents, and has emphasised fielding strong candidates from reserved categories in constituencies where seats are reserved.

The guidelines also state that region-wise in-charges appointed by the party will oversee election-related activities in their respective districts and metropolitan areas. DeshGujarat