In a recent move, Union Minister Sushma Swaraj has declared that she will not contest the 2019 national election. Citing health reasons, the senior BJP leader broke the news before the media in Madhya Pradesh.

Stating that the party has been informed, Swaraj said, "It is the party which decides, but I have made up my mind not to contest the next elections".

Family sources confirmed that the Union Minister needed to avoid infections and was taking precautions. "She has contested 11 elections, there is no political reason behind the decision," said a source.

It may be noted that the BJP leader was forced to be away from her official engagements for months in 2016 because had a kidney transplant.