However, Rahul Gandhi’s Congress is raising the familiar voices of casteism and corruption.
New Delhi
Before the beginning of Navratri, some people are facing difficulty in connecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kailash Parvat and Parvati Puja in Pithoragarh with the Hinduism issue in preparation for the upcoming state Assembly elections. Even before entering politics, Narendra Modi used to visit the Himalayan region in a similar manner. Pride in Hinduism and Indianness and its promotion has never been concealed by both Modi and the Bhartiya Janata Party. On the other hand, it is worth noting that while the Indian Army is conducting military exercises on the India-China border near Pakistan, Prime Minister Modi is also praying for peace and prosperity by performing the worship of Shiva Shakti near the Chinese border in Pithoragarh. Demonstrating India’s unity, military strength, and democracy is entirely appropriate.
It is crucial for democracy that voters consider both local regional issues and national broader interests in any election, regardless of the area. In elections across the country, including Gujarat, success is demonstrated based on the implementation of programs for public welfare. In Madhya Pradesh, the BJP faces an electoral challenge on this basis. In Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, it must leverage the benefits of its national leadership’s plans and win the trust of the people for the future of these states. The primary rival, the Congress party, needs to be held accountable for its actions. While Modi is aligning politics, development, national pride, and unity, Rahul Gandhi’s Congress is raising the familiar voices of casteism and corruption. Millions of people in the country, especially the youth, are seeking liberation from these old wounds.
In Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh, the votes of women and indigenous people are proving to be decisive. Modi and his regional stalwarts, be it Shivraj, Vasundhara, or Raman Singh, are reaching out to the public with development and welfare schemes along with religious beliefs. In recent years, fundamental amenities for women, such as housing, food grains, gas, water, electricity, free education for children, and healthcare programs like Ayushman, have instilled a new sense of confidence in rural, tribal, and small urban areas.
In Madhya Pradesh, Kamal Nath, or in Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot, are fighting for their presence in the state. Kamal Nath, who remained in the centre for decades and played a significant role in Rahul and Manmohan in power, is entangled in power struggle in Madhya Pradesh by reducing the central importance. Ashok Gehlot has also been engaged in a five-year battle with Sachin Pilot for the favour of Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Both have suffered losses in this struggle. On the other hand, despite the indications of a strong position for the BJP in Rajasthan, Vasundhara Raje also wants to stay involved in the state. The infighting among parties comes at the cost of both party workers and the public. In Chhattisgarh, too, Chief Minister Baghel and other leaders have been engaged in a five-year struggle. Congress has faced significant notoriety due to allegations of liquor scandals and corruption, but the BJP hasn’t been as effective due to its unclear direction and leadership turmoil.
The outcome in the state is entirely dependent on the magic of Modi. Naxal violence has reduced somewhat in tribal areas, and voter awareness and participation are increasing due to the benefits of development schemes. Local leaders and organizations will be put to the test in the elections.
In this regard, the BJP has assembled a new team along with experienced senior leaders. In contrast, the Congress relies on old faces and formulas for power. Not only that, in the process of forming alliances, the Congress appears to be hanging in the balance between distancing itself from or aligning with the Aam Aadmi Party. Discontent and rebellion resulting from the distribution of tickets will continue to be a headache for both parties.
The writer is editorial director of ITV Network—India News and Dainik Aaj Samaj.