By Advait Moharir
Of all States going to the polls in the first half of 2017, Uttarakhand has to be a unique one. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Uttarakhand is one of the most politically volatile states, having changed 8 CMs in the last 17 years. Carved out of UP in 2000 with the aim of needing sensitive governance in the Himalayan region, the state is politically valuable to both the BJP, under whose regime it was formed, and the incumbent Congress government under CM Harish Rawat.
Popular policies and a popular CM
The Congress government has been credited for initiating a number of people-friendly policies. It has been credited with providing basic amenities like food and housing through a large number of people-friendly projects. Claiming a 65% completion of projects including roads, irrigation, and infrastructure, the governments role in the successful conduction of the Char Dham Yatra was also appreciated. After being devastated by floods in 2013, the Yatra was opposed by leaders within the party and the opposition. However, it was smoothly conducted. This was partly due to the construction of over 50 helipads in hilly areas to facilitate rescue operations.
[su_pullquote]CM Rawat’s popularity increased as he interacted quite frequently with the people via mohalla sabhas and constant visits to constituencies.[/su_pullquote]
At the heart of all these measures is CM Rawat. An astute politician and seasoned administrator, he ensured that bureaucrats and state administrators stay in villages throughout nights to address the villagers’ problems. His popularity as CM increased as he interacted quite frequently with the people via mohalla sabhas and constant visits to constituencies. This has allowed him to take stock of the situations at the ground level. His approachability and working style have made policy implementation easier.
Forest fires, unemployment, and political crisis
One of the biggest blunders of the Rawat government, however, was the forest fires of 2016. Around 3000 acres of forest land was destroyed in the fire that swept the foothills. The government was severely unprepared and there were no fire lines that stop the spread, or water holes for animals. The opposition clearly highlighted how the funds by the Central government were unused and repeated warnings of a dry winter and risk of such an incident were ignored. Forest conservation being a core issue for the people, this incident didn’t go down well with most people.
Forest Conservation is an important issue for the people of Uttarakhand. The 2016 fires did not go down very well with them. | Source: The QuintAnother issue which is plaguing the State is unemployment, more specifically educated unemployed. The State has failed to create employment for the rural youth, and this is creating a migration influx to the urban areas. With government staff being sent out of the state on deputation, there are massive gaps left to be filled in government jobs.
The jobs created are only for low-skilled labour, and it is not an uncommon sight to see educated youth fleeing Uttarakhand in search of better jobs.
What is worse for the state, however, is the rise in cases of drug addiction and alcoholism partly caused due to this unemployment. Thus, the problem of educated unemployment is definitely a problem which will haunt the ruling government as it goes out to the polls.
Apart from this, the political crisis, consisting of 9 MLAs defecting to BJP and causing a vote of no confidence, has also affected the stability of the government. While the SC intervention ensured that the government scraped through, it has certainly shaken the foundations of the government, which is barely surviving due to its alliance with regional parties.
Mass defection and unpredictability
As happens during every election, even this time there have been multiple instances of politicians jumping ship for short term needs. Multiple Congress leaders have joined the BJP and vice versa, blurring the lines that create distinctions between the party. BJP has favoured relatives of old CMs, and the Congress is also giving priority to the defectors. This has led to an unprecedented rise in the number of independent contestants, which has made the race tripolar in certain constituencies. Thus, the momentum gained by the Congress due to its earlier good work is fading, and the BJP is gaining ground, given a boost by PM Modis well-attended rallies.
PM Modi addressing a Parivartan Mehrauli Sabha in Dehradun. | Source: Zee NewsWith one phase of polling done, the opinion polls are indicating that both BJP and Congress are running neck-to-neck. Thus, with one more phase remaining and high voter turnout in phase 1, it is clear that the current government has a tough fight on its hand. With result day approaching on 11th March and multiple factors creating unpredictability, it is clear that the Uttarakhand elections are poised to end in a nail-biting finish.