Former PM Chandra Shekhar s son Neeraj Shekhar is contesting the BJP s seat in Ballia for the first time, balancing his father s socialist roots with his party s nationalist leanings. Shekhar was elected to the Lok Sabha for eight terms from Ballia in 1977. The BJP has maintained relations with followers of Chandra Shekhar, who are considered extra votes for the party.