Advani likely to get RS seat in lieu of Gandhinagar loss

March 22, 2019 16:50

Senior BJP leader LK Advani is likely to be given a Rajya Sabha seat in May 2019 from Gujarat. BJP president Amit Shah is contesting from Advani's Gandhinagar seat and if he gets elected to the Lok Sabha, Advani will replace him in the Rajya Sabha. In other words, the two are swapping seats.

Sources in the BJP headquarters tell us that Advani has been sounded out about this swap before the 1st lot of candidates were announced and has been told that he is ageing and therefore contesting an election may prove tough, but he remains a tall leader for the party. Advani has retained the Gandhinagar seat six times.

What we also hear is that Advani wants to retain the Type 8 government bungalow in the heart of New Delhi, which is security cleared. Advani, who is 91, lives with his daughter Pratibha and is keen to continue living in the same bungalow, which has been allotted considering his seniority in the party, as an MP and also because because he enjoys 'Z Plus' security.

Protocol for 'Z Plus' security means eight commandoes and 20 plainclothes security personnel have to be accommodated in the bungalow, apart from parking space for eight vehicles. IN addition there is the mobile phone jammer which consumes considerable electricity.

The BJP on Thursday evening declared 184 candidates including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party chief Amit Shah, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Textiles Minister Smriti Irani for the ensuing Lok Sabha polls, beginning April 11 and concluding on May 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

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