As the political battle for the Kedarnath by-election heats up, the ruling BJP in Uttarakhand is leaving no stone unturned to ensure a fertile ground for their success. The Dhami government has intensified efforts by deploying five key ministers to oversee different mandals within the Kedarnath Assembly constituency. The goal is clear: to convert the region into a BJP stronghold before the by-election.
Relief Package for Disaster-Affected Traders
In the wake of the recent monsoon disaster, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has approved a relief package worth INR 9 crore to aid affected traders. This move aims to heal the wounds inflicted by the natural calamity and garner goodwill ahead of the election. The government’s outreach, combined with the BJP’s organizational strength, is expected to boost their electoral prospects in Kedarnath.
Ministers Assigned Mandal-Level Responsibilities
BJP’s state unit has handed over responsibilities to key ministers to manage different mandals within the Kedarnath constituency. Soon, these ministers will begin public engagement, including holding meetings and dialogues at the mandal level. The focus is on mobilizing the ongoing membership drive and turning voters into active party members, which is crucial for securing victory.
State BJP President Mahendra Bhatt stated, “Ministers have been given their responsibilities, and they will soon be actively engaging with the public at the mandal level, transforming votes into membership.” Bhatt also tasked MLAs with converting the total votes received in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections into party membership, further strengthening the BJP’s electoral base.
Vote Conversion Strategy: A Key Focus
In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP secured 30,536 votes in the Kedarnath constituency, significantly higher than the 21,866 votes received in the 2022 Assembly elections. Congress, which received 20,164 votes in the Lok Sabha elections, also improved its tally compared to the 12,557 votes in the 2022 Assembly elections. Independent candidate Kuldeep Rawat, who received 13,423 votes in the last election, has since joined the BJP, further boosting the party’s prospects.
Congress Confident After Badrinath Victory
Meanwhile, the Congress is optimistic following its victory in the Badrinath by-election. The party, from the PCC to the AICC, has set its sights on the Kedarnath by-election. Congress is preparing to restart its campaign efforts with full force, hoping to capitalize on the momentum gained from Badrinath.
As the Kedarnath by-election approaches, both parties are gearing up for a fierce battle. With the BJP focusing on disaster relief and vote conversion strategies and Congress riding high on recent electoral successes, the contest is set to be closely watched.
Conclusion: The Road to Victory
With both parties deploying their resources and strategizing for the Kedarnath by-election, it remains to be seen who will emerge victorious. The BJP’s efforts to convert disaster relief into electoral success, coupled with its extensive organizational machinery, could give it an edge. However, the Congress, buoyed by recent victories, is determined to fight tooth and nail to reclaim the seat.
