As Punjab going for polls early next year, it is set to test the presence of Modi wave .
Let us not forget, the ground fact, that AAP had already bagged 4 parliamentary constituencies in the strong presence of Modi and team. If I critically analyse the situation, I observe the presence of high rate of anti-incumbency against the present government in the state of Punjab.
It is not only going to be a test of BJP’S presence in the state but also a major one for the BJP’S strategies in the elections. As we all are aware that the relationship between the BJP and Prashant Kishor, fondly known as PK, (the mastermind behind Modi’s elections) lasted no long. This is a major setback to the BJP’s core strategy team.
After giving BJP a blow in Bihar legislative elections, if rumor’s are to be believed, PK might help congress row its boat in upcoming legislative elections
Coming back to Akali Dal which has faced a lot of criticism on various matters be it the “Drug Addicted Punjab” or on the grounds of corruption .The opposition is ready with their cannons to file at the ruling party. Not only this, the Badal’s family is facing serious charges of promoting mafias in every field. Allegedly, most of the big business houses in Punjab are owned by Mr. Badal and Co.
It is a situation that BJP would have never wanted to be in. Akali Dal has always been their trusted aid, but if time is to be given importance, it is the best for these two units to part their ways now. The more they cling on to each other, the difficult it gets.
Today, even Modi has to prove to his critics that ‘yes’ he exists in the picture and so does his charisma. But that won’t happen until and unless BJP develops a mechanism which not only strengthens them on ground but also enables them to win seats without the support of Akali Dal.
I think BJP in Punjab knows where the problem lies all they have to do is to take reasonable steps to solve the grave issues.
The level of support that the AAP is incurring from the NRI’s and other various sections of the society in Punjab may be a problem for the BJP in the upcoming high voltage drama.
There is also a lot of criticism that the Aam Aadmi Party is facing for suspending two of its MP’s, for now it is in the hands of the BJP to how do they cash in the whole scenario.
If I analyze the circumstances of Punjab, I really believe that the flow of anti-incumbency wave is against Mr. Badal and not against Mr. Modi. This will always enable the BJP to have an upper hand on the Akali’s.
If BJP plans on fighting this election independently there should be certain things BJP should keep in mind. This campaign should be pro-development and not a ‘personal war’. It should discuss the following aspects:
What is to be done
How it is to be done
And till what time it should complete
Targeting the NRI’S of the state will also play a very important role
If we see the budget that was recently presented by Arun Jaitley, it won’t be wrong if we term it as ‘farmer friendly’ budget:
From bringing 28.5 lakh hectares under irrigation under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sichai Yojana, to the creation of a dedicated long term irrigation fund in NABARD. Major programmes for sustainable management for ground water resources have been prepared. Soil health card scheme is going to be implemented with greater vigor .Rs 368 crore has been provided for national project on soil health and fertility. The government allocated Rs 19000 crore for Gram Sadak Yojana
Government has approved crop insurance scheme namely the Prime Minister Fasal Bima Yojna. Also, for the effective implementation of this scheme the government has provided a sum of Rs 5500 crore in the budget. Educating voters should be the main concern for BJP if they want to take this election seriously and emerge as victorious.
These are some of the steps taken by the BJP government and now on the operational front, it will be a big challenge for the Modi and team.
BJP can make its way easy in this election, but surely it will be a roller-coaster ride!
Mrityunjay Tripathi is an Student Activist.
(The views expressed above are the personal views of the author)
