Shah Kick-starts BJP’s Election Campaign

Rajiv K. Phull        (cover story)

The Bharatiya Janata Party’s national president Amit Shah kick-started party’s campaign for Himachal assembly elections by addressing a ‘Yuva Hunkar Rally’ in Kangra.  He also set the agenda for the upcoming polls by listing developmental schemes launched by Modi government and corruption cases being faced by Himachal Chief Minister. Terming him as ‘bhrashtachaar wala mukhyamantri, Amit Shah said people of Himachal have understood the need for a change in power to give impetus to the pace of development in this hilly state also. Listing 106 developmental schemes launched by Modi government for welfare of different sections of the society, he exhorted people to seek reply from Chief Minister about liberal financial assistance and schemes sanctioned by centre for Himachal. Shah also reminded that state was reeling under debt liability of Rs. 46, 000 crore due to wrong policies of Congress government.

‘Oust Useless Congress Government’

The national president Amit Shah today gave a clarion call to people of Himachal to oust “useless Congress government” and install the BJP government to double the pace of development in this hilly state. He said that change in Himachal is must to change the system and give an impetus to the pace of development. Amit Shah pointed that development was being implemented by Modi government with double the speed across the country but Himachal Chief Minister is scuttling and blocking the schemes sanctioned by the Centre as they are not being implemented in Himachal. Accusing Himachal Chief Minister of posing hurdles in state’s development, the BJP national president said Himachal was reeling under a debt of Rs, 46000 crore due to wrong policies of Congress government. There is no provision for implementation of Central schemes initiated by Modi government, said Amit Shah, while listing various schemes including Rs. 268 crore for survey of proposed national highways covering 3900 kilometres, help for farmers and 90% financial assistance in schemes for this hilly state and others.

‘Hisab Mangey Himachal’

Amit Shah said that he has come with the three years performance of Modi government’s assistance to Himachal and people should also ask Chief Minister about the same. As compared to Rs. 44235 assistance extended to Himachal during 10 years of UPA government regime, the Modi government has extended assistance of Rs. 115 846 crore under different heads. “Himachalis should ask Chief Minister where has additional financial assistance of Rs 71611 has gone,” he added while exhorting people to seek reply from Congress government.

Fear Of Modi Government

Amit Shah alleged that corrupt Congress government was not implementing Modi government’s schemes in Himachal. It is the fear of Modi government’s 106 welfare schemes that have been launched for different sections of the society, he added and claimed that Modi’s Vijay Rath has reached Himachal to pave way for installation of BJP government in this hilly state also. Shah said, “The party will win much more assembly seats that my earlier assessment of 50 Plus Mission if mood and enthusiasm of youths in the rally is any indication,” he asserted.

‘Bhrashtachaar Wala Mukhyamantri’

Amit Shah said many politicians start new traditions in their career. “Shanta Kumar was known as paani wala mukhyamantri and PK Dhumal was known as sadak wala mukhyamantri for their contributions in state’s development. However, Congress Chief Minister will be known as bhrashtachaar wala mukhyamantri as he is contesting corruption cases and not resigning from the post,” Shah added, claiming that Himachalis have understood that now it is the time for a change.

Chargesheet Released

The BJP national president Amit Shah also released chargesheet against Congress government, launched an anthem based on Hisab Mangey Himachal theme and online donation portal.

* The BJP is in best position in the political history to form government in Himachal. The Congress has defamed this hilly state in the country

-Shanta Kumar, MP, Kangra

* Modi government has given a new direction to the development but the state government has failed to take benefit of projects sanctioned for Himachal

-JP Nadda, Union Health Minister

* Himachalis are waiting to get rid of the Congress government that has been surrounded by mafia people. The government is also blocking central projects in Himachal

-Prem Kumar Dhumal, Leader of Opposition

Opposing Virbhadra

The BJP national president Amit Shah raised the biggest issue against Himachal Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh during party’s ‘Yuva Hunkar Rally’ in Kangra. It will be state government’s performance versus Centre’s policies in upcoming general assembly elections in this hilly state. It remains to be seen how much Amit Shah could communicate to the gathering in youth rally where aspiring candidates were also present. The BJP also released a chargesheet against Congress as Shah felt the pulse to regain power in Himachal. Virbhadra Singh holds considerable hold over a unique political class in Kangra district. It was evident as BJP leaders targeted Virbhadra Singh and his performance in the name of opposition. One rally is neither capable nor sufficient to spread the message to counter inaugurations and foundation stones even if Virbhadra’s development is unreasonable. Chief Minister has shielded threat to his image through government’s work and by establishing a direct communication with people. Virbhadra’s name was at the centre stage during BJP’s Kangra rally even as the government drew flak on law and order issues. Will party pay attention to the fact that slogans more were raised in favour of a leader? Why party’s principles remained silent which say elections would not be contested under anybody’s leadership? BJP challenged Virbhadra Singh through youth rally rather than focusing on issues confronting them.

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