Nirmala Sitharaman: 'Can't Afford' Lok Sabha campaign, declines BJP ticket

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman declines BJP ticket for Lok Sabha elections due to financial limitations
• Sitharaman cites lack of funds to finance election campaign as the primary reason for declining candidacy
• Despite not contesting, Sitharaman commits to supporting BJP's campaign efforts and participating in media events

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced her decision on Wednesday to decline the offer extended by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, citing financial limitations as the primary reason. Sitharaman revealed that BJP President JP Nadda offered her the option to contest from Andhra Pradesh or Tamil Nadu, but she declined due to a lack of funds to finance her election campaign.

During her appearance at the Times Now Summit 2024, Sitharaman emphasized her financial constraints, stating, "I do not have that kind of money to contest." She highlighted the additional challenges associated with candidacy, including considerations of community and religion, which further contributed to her decision to opt out. Despite her decision not to contest, Sitharaman affirmed her commitment to the BJP's campaign efforts and pledged to participate in media events and support multiple BJP candidates, including Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar.