Madhuri Dixit can be BJP's candidate from Pune seat in 2019 Lok Sabha elections, claim reports

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is gearing up to field Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit-Nene from the Pune Lok Sabha constituency in the 2019 general elections, according to sources. The report came months after BJP president Amit Shah met Madhuri Dixit at her Mumbai residence as a part of the party's 'Sampark for Samarthan' programme in June. Shah also briefed Madhuri on achievements of the Narendra Modi government ever since it came to power in 2014.

Talking about the latest development, a senior Maharashtra BJP leader said that the 51-year-old actress has been shortlisted for the BJP's Pune Lok Sabha set in 2019. "The party is seriously considering giving candidature to Madhuri Dixit in the 2019 General Elections. We think the Pune Lok Sabha constituency will be better for her," he was quoted by saying as PTI. However, there was no immediate word on behalf of Madhuri regarding the development so far.

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In 2014 Lok Sabha elections, BJP's Anil Shirole bagged the Pune constituency defeating the Congress candidate by a margin of more than three lakh votes.

On the BJP's plan to field Madhuri from Pune Lok Sabha seat, a senior party functionary said, "Such tactics were implemented by Narendra Modi in Gujarat when he became the chief minister for the first time. He changed all the candidates in local bodies election and the party reaped benefits of that decision."

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"As fresh faces were introduced, there was nothing to criticise them with. It left the opposition shocked and the BJP won maximum seats and retained power," he added.

Madhuri Dixit is known for her significant contribution to the Indian film industry. With her impeccable acting and dancing skills, she has managed a permanent place in the hearts of millions. Dixit has featured in several blockbuster films in Bollywood, including Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, Dil To Pagal Hai, Saajan and Devdas. In 2018, she was awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, by the Government of India.