BJP banks on Modi wave to retain power as Himachal goes to polls

Two big landmark projects gifted by the Narendra Modi government to Himachal Pradesh ahead of the polls appear to have sent a clear message to the masses on the advantage of having a double-engine government. The Rs 1470 crore AIIMS completed in a record five-year time despite the Covid crisis and the Rs 2000 crore  Bulk Drug Park launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi within a month’s time, after the Centre granting approvals have been cited by the BJP as shining examples of the state’s development that the party is pushing for.

Bhanupali-Bilaspur railway project, which had been facing rough weather  for the past  two decades owing to land acquisition issues, has also been ramped up significantly in the past one year. This project is all set to make its mark by 2024—a head of next Lok Sabha polls.

“Today, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the helm of affairs and he having an emotional bond with the state, things are happening unexpectedly for us. The time has gone when our leaders have to really beg to get projects and funding” Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur says, drawing a distinction between earlier regimes.

BJP’s national president J P Nadda coming from Himachal Pradesh and Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur representing the state is a rare opportunity for the small state.

“We have done extremely well in vaccination, getting number one rank, despite our geographical and climatic challenge is something no one can think of. While the credit goes to hundreds of health workers and ASHA teams but fact remains we did not face any shortage of vaccine” Chief Minister recalls.

Thus, the slogan of “ Riwaaz Badlenge” seems to be working well for the BJP, hoping to repeat its government banking on Modi’s magic in the state.

The Prime Minister, during his poll rallies, spoke at length about how a “double engine” government can develop the state better and fulfill the aspirations of the people more effectively .

“For years, the states have suffered due to instability .The small states were the worst hit. But now the culture has changed .The people want stability .This five-year rotation must end. This riwaaz should change. How UP and Uttarakhand have chosen to repeat their governments for stability and better governance. Himachal will also choose the same” he told a massive rally at Chambi in Kangra, the state’s biggest district.

Yet the best which has come to Himachal Pradesh after Modi becoming Prime Minister is restoration of special category status, scrapped by the UPA government.

This greatly had disturbed the funding pattern  of 90:10 ( Centre and state) to 50;50 in some cases and even 40;60 ( State and centre) .

“Because Modi ji had worked in Himachal Pradesh and understood the state’s problems. He did not take time to restore the funding ratio of 90:10 that added viability to the state. Further, during the past five years , we got Rs 10,500 cr grants. The Big drug park, one of three sanctioned in India, is a big game changer and Prime Minister’s gift to us” State BJP president Suresh Kashayap told India Narrative.

During the UPA regime, the central industrial package given to Himachal Pradesh was also withdrawn. The recruitment to the army was being done on population basis. Both had hit the job opportunities for the youths.

Does the Congress have a right to talk about unemployment in the state ? asks Krishan Kapoor , BJP MP from Kangra.

He asserts that the Congress did not fulfill its promise of one job to every family and even unemployment allowance. Giving one lakh jobs to the youths and old age pension scheme will again be the Congress’s biggest flip flop.

As the state goes to the polling on Saturday, with its 55.92 lakh voters , all eyes are on issues relating to the state’s development and strengthening of the infrastructure. The debt burden on the state which is Rs 72,000 crore makes the going really tough unless then Centre lends a helping hand.

“We have a very limited resource base. We have given all benefits to the employees whatever was due. The income of the state coming from two modes—tax revenue and non-tax ( which is sale of surplus power and excise revenue) is not enough to meet the salary Bill” a retired IAS officer, who served the finance department revealed .

According to the budget of 2022-23, out of every Rs 100, Rs. 26 is spent on salary, Rs. 15 on pension, Rs. 10 on interest payment, Rs. 11 on loan repayment, Rs. 9 for Grants for Autonomous Bodies only Rs. 29  is left to be spent on  other activities including development works.