The first phase of General Elections concluded on Friday, in 102 constituencies across 21 states. Many states witnessed a low voter turnout; Uttarakahnd being one of them. Prior to the voting, there was a prevailing sentiment that BJP would secure victory in all five seats of Uttarakhand with a significant margin. However, immediately following the voting, a shift in discourse emerged. Decreased voter turnout in five Lok Sabha constituencies of Uttarakhand has sparked internal divisions within the BJP. Following the decline in voting numbers, various speculations have emerged regarding the Haridwar, Garhwal, Nainital, and Tehri Lok Sabha seats. While some fear potential losses for the BJP due to low voter participation, the experts reckon that the party will not encounter significant challenges. Diverse opinions and arguments have surfaced on this matter.
This led to questions regarding the reasons behind this change. One prominent observation was that in certain areas of the plains, particularly those where Dalit Muslims and other backward castes hold influence, there was a higher voter turnout. It is speculated that these castes had inclination towards Congress due to concerns regarding the preservation of reservation policies. In addition to lower turnout in Doiwala, the urban areas of Haldwani, and Kashipur, the most surprising development was the absence of any votes cast in ten polling booths in Pauri and Tehri districts in the mountainous regions. While, Priyanka Gandhi was the sole star campaigner for Congress in the Haridwar Lok Sabha constituency, campaigning for just one day. Conversely, BJP rallied significant support with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and other key figures holding rallies across various locations, boosting the party’s momentum and appealing for votes.
However, now after two days it has come to light that a large number of independent candidates and BSP candidates contesting in Tehri and Haridwar have made a dent in the votes of Congress. Due to this, BJP seems to have the upper hand. The reduced voter turnout might lead to a decrease in the margin of victory. However, a positive indication for the BJP emerged today as Congress leader and former minister Harak Singh Rawat’s daughter-in-law, Anukriti, joined the BJP. This has sparked speculation that Harak Singh himself might also join the BJP in the near future.
This time, the BJP high command decided to replace Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank with Trivendra Singh Rawat in the Haridwar constituency and appointed Anil Baluni, the head of the BJP media department, instead of Tirath Singh Rawat for the Garhwal Lok Sabha seat.
This decision has stirred tension among Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and other prominent leaders, particularly with Baluni’s entry into Garhwal politics. Meanwhile, supporters of Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank expressed dissatisfaction with the cancellation of his ticket. Dhami, who portrays himself as popular, is facing criticism for the lack of hill development. The absence of voting in many areas indicates underlying resentment.
Despite the votes in the hills being cast in favor of Prime Minister Modi, the low voter turnout raises questions about the Dhami government’s performance. Experts suggest that while the BJP may retain all seats, internal competition among BJP members could reduce the victory margin.
