BJP MP Harsh Vardhan on Sunday announced his decision to step away from active politics after not being named as a candidate by the BJP for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from his Chandni Chowk constituency.
He expressed this decision in a lengthy post on social media, stating his intent to return to his original interests after more than 30 years of serving in politics.
Reflecting on his journey, Vardhan mentioned his commitment to fighting against issues like tobacco and substance abuse, climate change, and promoting simple and sustainable lifestyles.
“After over thirty years of a glorious electoral career, during which I won all the five assembly and two parliamentary elections that I fought with exemplary margins, and held a multitude of prestigious positions in the party organisation and the governments at the state and centre I finally bow out to return to my roots,” he wrote on X.
He reminisced about his electoral victories and his roles as a minister both in Delhi and at the national level. Vardhan emphasized his dedication to serving the people, citing his participation in initiatives like making India polio-free and tackling the challenges posed by COVID-19.
“I served as Delhi Health Minister as well as twice Union Health Minister, a subject close to my heart. I had the rare opportunity bestowed upon me to be able to first work towards creating a Polio free Bharat and then to take care of the health of millions of our countrymen grappling with the dreaded COVID-19 during its first and second phases,” he added.
Vardhan concluded his post with a quote by poet Robert Frost, indicating his readiness to move forward and fulfil his promises. He mentioned his plans to return to his ENT clinic in Krishna Nagar.
In the past, Vardhan won the Chandni Chowk Lok Sabha seat in both the 2014 and 2019 elections, defeating opponents from the Congress party.