Veteran actress and top-tier Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kirron Kher has revealed her decision not to participate in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, sparking conversations among her supporters and political analysts alike. Kher won considerable public favor through her service as the MP from Chandigarh, having won landslide victories in both the 2014 and 2019 elections, where she secured 1.91 lakh and 2.31 lakh votes respectively, defeating her Congress adversary, Pawan Kumar Bansal. The announcement of her non-candidacy thus elicits widespread curiosity.
Delving into the details surrounding Kher’s choice, it becomes clear that the move was self-determined, and not a product of party politics or an administrative decision. This clarification came during an in-depth interview with Times Now, where Kher conveyed that she had previously approached BJP President JP Nadda and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, expressing her wishes to not be considered for the upcoming electoral race.
A significant factor behind her decision was her recent battle with a serious health concern. “Two months ago, I met our party president JP Nadda and Union Home Affairs Minister Amit Shah and requested that they let me sit out this time. When I fell ill… I had multiple myeloma… I had to be in Mumbai for about a year for my treatment. By the grace of God, I am completely fine now. But I missed out on that year in Chandigarh. And I don’t want my party to suffer because of my absence,” Kher stated.
The dedicated politician further expressed her eagerness to engage in other ventures and contribute to the party in various capacities. A familiar face on television, she has also recently been involved in the talent show ‘India’s Got Talent’. Despite stepping back from the electoral race, Kher’s affinity for her party and political contributions remains undiminished, elucidated by her statement, “I hope that I’ll be able to work for my party again.”
During her tenured political engagement, Kher had amassed a reputation for her regular attendance and engagement in Parliament sessions—a commitment disrupted by her health concerns. Her dedication did not go unnoticed, as she mentioned personal interactions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who encouraged her focus on recovery. She recalls Modi’s empathy during her illness, emphasizing his reassurances that enabled her to prioritize her health over political duties without distress.
Acknowledging Kher’s significant contributions to the BJP’s efforts in Chandigarh, Amit Shah reportedly commended the resolve and endeavours she had invested as a party member. The Union Territory, due to cast its vote on June 1st, now faces a shift in its political landscape with the introduction of Sanjay Tandon as the BJP’s new face for the Lok Sabha seat previously held by Kher.
The actress-turned-politician’s announcement has undoubtedly sent ripples through the political tides of Punjab, where her influence was significant, and it stands as a testament to the personal and professional challenges faced by public figures in the service of their constituents. As Kirron Kher bravely embraces her decision with the welfare of her party at heart, her narrative intertwines the delicate balance of health, service, and politics—an unfolding story resonating with many in similar statures of leadership and public life.
