Uttarakhand Election 2022: Key challenges for BJP's bid to retain power

Uttarakhand has elected a new government in every poll since its formation in 2000. The BJP is trying to buck the trend this time around.

But there are a number of issues that may make the BJP's ride uphill harder.

Three chief ministers within a year, anger amongst the priests' community on the formation of the Char Dham Board, which the BJP govt has recently scrapped with an eye on the elections, farmer anger in the Terai areas, and the mismanagement of the 2021 Kumbh Mela including a fake Covid-testing scam.

Let's look at each these issues in a little detail

Changing CMs

The opposition has been consistently attacking the BJP over changing three chief ministers in a year.

Trivendra Singh Rawat resigned as the chief minister just days before the 4th anniversary of his government due to a revolt from a section of party MLAs against his style of functioning.

Tirath Singh Rawat replaced Trivendra Singh Rawat as chief minister but resigned within four months.

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BJP then brought in 45-year-old Pushkar Singh Dhami, who was never even a minister before becoming chief minister.

Congress has made the frequent change of chief ministers a major issue. One of its election slogans is Teen Tigada, Kaam Bigada, Uttarakhand Main Nahi Aayegi BJP Dobara.

Covid management and Kumbh

Uttarakhand government was heavily criticised for holding the Kumbh mela at the peak of the second wave of Covid-19.

About 9 million people took a holy dip in Haridwar, at least six million of them in April at the peak of the devastating second wave of the pandemic.

Infections in many north Indian states were traced to Kumbh pilgrims.

The Uttarakhand High Court criticised the government for allowing the massive gathering to take place.

Then the massive Covid testing scam came to light, where fake Covid negative reports were given to the pilgrims to attend the mela.

Priests anger over Char Dham Board

The constitution of the Uttarakhand Char Dham Devasthanam Management Board — the umbrella body to regulate shrines and temples under its purview -- by the BJP government led to massive among the priests. Protests were held and the priests even threatened to disrupt PM Modi's Kedarnath visit in November over the issue. Opposition Congress too attacked the government over the board. Sensing anger and political loss, the Pushkar Singh Dhami government scrapped the board just months ahead of the polls.

Farmers' angst

The year-long farmer's agitation against the now-repealed farm laws will also bear an impact on BJP's fortunes in Uttarakhand. 9=10 seats in the hill state are dominated by Sikh voters, especially in the Terai areas, where BJP may find goings tough. Congress will try its best to take advantage of the repeal of farm laws.

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