In a decision that may have some political ramifications, as the Madhya Pradesh state elections are underway, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday announced that she will not contest next general elections scheduled in 2019.
It is the party which decides, but I have made up my mind not to contest next elections: External Affairs Minister and Vidisha MP @SushmaSwaraj pic.twitter.com/g2QQjuz3hK
— NewsMobile (@NewsMobileIndia) November 20, 2018
Speaking at a BJP press conference on Tuesday, Swaraj said that while it is the party that decides on such things, she, on her part, has made up her mind not to contest the 2019 general elections.
Swaraj, who has been a Member of Parliament for several years, has, in the past, also held the position of Delhi’s Chief Minister from October 13 to December 3, 1998. In fact, she was Delhi’s first woman chief minister.
She has held the charge of Information and Broadcasting Ministry, has been the spokesperson of the BJP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. During the last two Lok Sabha polls in 2009 and 2014, Swaraj contested and won from Vidisha in Madhya Pradesh.
(With ANI inputs)