As the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections draw closer, “legacy politics” has once again come into focus within the BJP. Several senior party leaders are keen to see their children enter active politics and expand their families’ political influence.
Although no official decisions have been made regarding ticket distribution, the sons and daughters of these leaders have already begun laying the groundwork. Their increased participation in public events, direct engagement with voters, and active presence on social media clearly indicate their readiness to enter the electoral arena.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s elder son, Pankaj Singh, is already an MLA. Now, his younger son, Neeraj Singh, has also become increasingly active in political circles. Over the past several years, Neeraj has represented the party at various events and public forums in Lucknow in his father’s absence.
According to sources, the BJP may field him from the Lucknow East Assembly constituency or assign him a more prominent organizational role. A graduate of Leeds University in the UK, Neeraj is highly active on social media and is considered to enjoy considerable support among young voters.
Abhinav Sinha, son of Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, is also being viewed as a potential contender. His name was discussed during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, but he did not receive a ticket. This time, he is considered a strong prospect from the Ghazipur Sadar constituency.
Abhinav has been regularly seen in the district participating in training programmes, cleanliness drives, and party meetings. The Ghazipur Sadar seat was contested by BJP leader Sangeeta Balwant in 2022, but she is now a Rajya Sabha member. As a result, Abhinav’s name has emerged prominently in the search for a new face. The seat is currently represented by SP MLA Jai Kishan Sahu.
Karan Mahana, son of Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana, has also become politically active. A businessman and a member of the BJP Yuva Morcha’s national executive, Karan has recently increased his presence in Maharajpur, his father’s constituency in Kanpur.
Similarly, Shruti Gangwar, daughter of Jharkhand Governor and senior BJP leader Santosh Gangwar, is also considered a potential candidate. Although her name was considered for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, she did not receive a ticket.
Now, with the Baheri Assembly seat in Bareilly appearing favourable for a new candidate, political equations seem to be working in her favour. Following Chhatrapal Gangwar’s election to the Lok Sabha, the BJP is looking for a fresh face in the constituency. Shruti is believed to have a strong claim in the Muslim- and Kurmi-dominated Baheri seat.
Shalini Singh, daughter of former BJP MLA Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, has become active in Noida politics. She attracted attention following the Surya Chauhan murder case through her meetings with the victim’s family and her outspoken interventions on social media.
Shalini, who serves as Executive President of the Noida Citizens Forum, is a lawyer, writer, and social activist. However, since the Noida Assembly seat is currently represented by Pankaj Singh, securing a BJP ticket may not be easy for her.
Mayank Joshi, son of senior BJP leader Rita Bahuguna Joshi, is also seeking an electoral opportunity. He was considered for a ticket from Lucknow Cantt in 2022 but was ultimately overlooked. He later moved closer to the Samajwadi Party, but his mother is now reportedly keen to secure a BJP ticket for him.
Although Mayank has not formally left the Samajwadi Party, Rita Bahuguna Joshi is said to be lobbying for his candidature on a BJP ticket.
Akanksha Singh, daughter of former MP Sanjay Singh, is a Supreme Court lawyer by profession. Along with her mother, Amita Singh, she has begun reaching out to voters in Amethi. Sanjay Singh lost the 2022 Assembly election from Amethi, and the family now hopes Akanksha will carry forward his political legacy.
Political analysts note that the BJP has traditionally prioritized electoral viability while distributing tickets. However, growing pressure from several influential political families has intensified internal discussions ahead of the elections. The party’s final strategy will determine who secures an electoral opportunity and who is accommodated within the organization.