The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in West Bengal has opted to rely less on turncoats and outsiders for the upcoming assembly elections, giving preference to the party loyalists and ensuring that intra-party differences do not end up hurting its electoral chances.
The party released its first list of 144 candidates for the upcoming two-phase polls, with a focus on identifying candidates based on their profile and winnability.
Of the 144 candidates, 62 were from the general category; 20 from Other Backward Classes (OBC); 48 from Scheduled Castes and 14 from Scheduled Tribes.
The party gave tickets to 41 sitting MLAs, three former MLAs and two former MPs, and ensured representation to diverse castes.
The list includes 23 teachers; eight social workers; six advocates; five doctors, three journalists; 3 spiritual leaders; 3 retired soldiers; a cricketer, a folk singer and a retired bureaucrat.
Women have been fielded from 11 seats and 36 candidates are below 40.
