Gopal Sharma
BILLAWAR/ BASOHLI, Apr 17: While the ‘Modi fever’ runs high among the heads of voters in large number, in Billawar and Basohli Assembly segments of district Kathua, majority of the electors claim that they have given vote this time for a `change’.
The high voter turn-out this time in the Lok Sabha election, in this hilly region including Bani, in district Kathua, is itself an indicative of the fact that people have come out in large number to vote for a change. Several leaders from various political parties, give credit of it to the Election authorities and the Government agencies for creating massive awareness among the general public to cast their vote, yet majority electors declared that they have come out openly to cast their vote for a change at the Centre. They dismissed the theory of awareness created by Government agencies in this regard and stated that they wanted a change.
During last Lok Sabha elections the voter turn out was 51.6 % in district Kathua while this time it has increased to 73 %, indicating nearly 22 % increase in the voter turn out in the district.
At several places like Dinga Amb, Mangloor, Ramkote, Mandli, Billawar and even in Mahanpur and Basohli, the voters speaking in praise of BJP’s Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, also highly appreciated Union Health Minister and Congress Candidate from Udhampur-Doda Lok Sabha seat, Ghulam Nabi Azad for his capacity, influence at the Centre and development works initiated by him in Jammu region, yet they maintained that they want to see change at the Centre and strong Prime Minister like Modi. Hardly, 15 % of the voters whom the Excelsior team talked, mentioned about the BJP candidate from Kathua-Udhampur- Doda seat, Dr Jitendra Singh, while most of them only talked about Modi and claimed that they have nothing to do with the party but they would like leader like Modi at the Centre.
A voter Paras Ram outside Ramkote polling station disclosed that he was regular in casting his vote but this time he has come to cast vote only in favour of Modi. “I may vote for Congress next time in Assembly elections, as Dr Manohar Lal was doing well in this Billawar Assembly segment and he initiated many development works. Even Azad Sahib is very good leader and during his tenure as Chief Minister he has ensured lot of development in Jammu area. The people are fed up with the corruption and scandals during Manmohan Singh’s Government and have high hopes from Modi,” he maintained.
Kuldeep Gupta, Sarpanch Dinga Amb said that no other leader except Ghulam Nabi Azad can ensure better development. He claimed that this area where voter strength is around 2200, the BJP- Cong ratio is expected to remain 50: 50. Gupta claimed that MoS Dr Manohar Lal, who represents Billawar constituency, has taken keen interest in providing Tehsil status to Dinga Amb and sanctioning bridge over Tarnah at Mangloor. The contribution of Congress has remained impressive in this Kandi belt in last five years, he added.
One Badri Nath at Mandli Polling Station said, “I remained staunch supporter of Congress on earlier occasions but this time I changed my mind after observing a weak Prime Minister at the Centre, who remained silent on scandals after scandals and in-affective to control price hike. Even corruption reached high in all spheres. Prices of diesel and petrol increased many times. With a hope that with a change at the Centre and coming of a man like Modi in the PM’s seat, may provide some relief to the poor and lower middle class people,” he added.
Another Voter G D Sharma at Billawar polling station said, “though this Assembly seat is represented by Congress candidate Dr Manohar Lal but BJP has the upper hand this time in this belt. The reason is very clear- emergence of Modi as most popular leader in the country and a strong feeling of change among the people this time. He disclosed that high turn out of voters is clear indication that BJP may secure between 60-65 % votes while Congress may go down to 35-40 %. We can not predict about the over all scenario at the end but there is strong urge among the people to see a change at the Centre,” Sharma said.
Interestingly, not even a single voter among over 200 taken at random, in these two constituencies mentioned about PDP, National Panthers Party or even the BSP, indicating clearly that there will be tough contest between the two main parties BJP and the Cong-NC coalition. Though Dr Jitendra Singh is contesting for the first time in these elections and is said to have nothing much at stake, yet this Lok Sabha election is being termed as very crucial for heavy weight- Ghulam Nabi Azad whose glorious career is certainly at stake.
A middle aged woman, Krishna Devi at Galak said she has voted for ‘Kamal’ (Lotus flower/ BJP), because all other members in her family also voted for ‘Kamal’. The family had decided to do so. She said rising prices has broken the back of the poor. “Worst is the condition of road. People are suffering for want of water and electricity. Kerosene oil is hardly available and same is the condition of ration supply. This Government is hopeless. The new people should come in power,” she added.
A voter Mangat Ram, an ex-serviceman at Mahanpur said, “Modi ka Zadu Chal Raha Hai, Aap Khud hi Dekh Lo.” Itne Log Lok Sabha election Mein vote Dalane Nahi Aate, Lekin Abh ki Bar to Shehron wale log, Naukri Pesha bhi vote dalne Aa rahe hain. Change Honi Chahiye Aur Jo Delhi mein Beth ke Hum Garibon ko Loot rahe hain, Ukhar Fenkna Chahiye Unhen.” Another elderly man, Bihari Lal standing nearby quipped,” Azad Sahib ka Koi Mukabla Nahin. Us Aadmi ne Jo Tarakki Karvai, Hum Logon ne Socha bi Nahin Tha. Agar Hamain aur behtar development Chahiye tau Azad Sahib ko apni constituency se Zaroor Jita ke Bejna Chahiye. Dr Jitendra Singh ko tau koi idher Janta bi nahin,” he claimed.
Manoj Kumar from Bani said polarization of votes has been witnessed in remote Bani, Duggan and Loang area. Vote percentage has gone high up to 78 % in this segment. He said majority community vote is said to have gone to party and minority to the coalition candidate. He indicated that recent statements of some NC leaders in Valley had its impact on the voters of both the communities. But despite this, saffron party is said to be have edge over the rivals. He declined having much impact of Modi factor in the mountainous region of remote Bani Assembly constituency but maintained that division among the voters has been observed in this belt. Since Azad belonged to adjoining Bhadwerwah Assembly segment, this factor of proximity, has helped him in getting good support from Loang and Duggan area of Bani.
Trending Now
E-Paper
Follow our WhatsApp channel