The BJP named Karan Bhushan Singh as its Lok Sabha candidate for the Kaiserganj seat on Thursday — dropping his father Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Speculative reports had earlier broached the possibility of a family member taking over the UP seat while Brij Bhushan insisted that there was a 99.9% chance he would contest again. The incumbent lawmaker is currently facing facing criminal charges of sexually harassing women wrestlers.
“I am not a candidate right now. But the BJP has no contest on the Kaiserganj Lok Sabha seat. Last time, victory was won by more than 2 lakh votes; this time, the workers have given a slogan of 5 lakh votes. If God has decided this, what can I do? But I am a strong contender, so I will contest 99.9%…0.1% would remain,” the former Wrestling Federation of India chief said in late April.
The seat has come under scrutiny after Brij Bhushan was accused of sexual harassment in 2023. A Delhi Police chargesheet on the matter — based on allegations levelled by six top wrestlers — indicated that the six-time MP was “liable to be prosecuted and punished for offences” of sexual harassment, molestation and stalking.
Karan Bhushan Singh is presently the President of the Uttar Pradesh Wrestling Association and the Chairman of a Cooperative Bank in Gonda district. He was a national player for Double Trap shooting and holds a BBA and Law degree from Ram Manohar Lohia Awadh University in Faizabad.
The latest list of candidates also saw the BJP nominate Dinesh Pratap Singh from the Gandhi family bastion of Rae Bareli. Voting for both seats will take place during the fifth phase of elections on May 20.
(With inputs from agencies)
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