THE VOTERS of Madhya Pradesh are becoming aware on the subject of the state’s development. In the recently concluded assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, sarpanch and villagers of Sagda village (this village comes under Lateri tehsil, district Vidisha) had put a condition before Laxmikant Sharma a week before the day of voting. Villagers told Sharna, if you construct a road up to the village, the villagers will cast their votes in your favour. Interestingly, the road from Sagda to SH No-23 got constructed within two days. (Note: Presently, Laxmikant Sharma is a cabinet minister in Madhya Pradesh Government).
Now, people of Madhya Pradesh are responsive about significance of their votes. They also know that they are the ‘creators’ of the government. If they desire, development of villages, tehsils, sub-divisions and districts may be achieved. However, politicians don’t want to face the reality. They are luring the people for unfeasible promises which will never be accomplished. The latest manifesto of BJP is a utopia. The manifesto of the Congress too is not realistic. All political parties are still unaware about the needs of common people and they are ignoring the foremost issues. In the present circumstances, not a single political party is equipped to talk about development.
Former minister and MLA of the Maharashtra Government, Syed Ahmed is optimistic about the anti-incumbency factor in Madhya Pradesh. Syed Ahmed has been sent as Congress observer for Lok Sabha polls in Madhya Pradesh. He says that the Congress party may get the benefit of anti-incumbency, whereas in Madhya Pradesh development issues may work.
Scarcity of water is the main issue plaguing Madhya Pradesh. In Bhopal, a permanent solution of drinking water should be explored. Along with this, the process of bringing water from river Narmada should also be speeded up. But nobody wants to talk about it. Undoubtedly, in Madhya Pradesh, Congress is in direct fight with the Bharatiya Janata Party and in the Lok Sabha elections. Even Uma Bharti is not in a position to make any impact in the present state of affairs.
BJP’s star leader, Sushma Swaraj filed her nomination from the Raisen Parliamentary region. The State’s CM Shivraj Singh Chauhan was also present on the occasion. As Swaraj does not belong to Raisen region, how will she keep in touch with her constituents after winning this seat? Obviously, the answer to these questions is in the negative. Moreover, in the state BJP, some leaders are not happy to see Sushma Swaraj as a party candidate. Some strong leaders of state BJP were expecting the ticket but were disappointed.
In Ratlam region, the main issue of the election is related to a noble cause concerning bringing water of river Mahi to Ratlam city. But no one has been able to address this issue. In Betul constituency too, which is now reserved for Scheduled Tribes, the scenario is not comfortable for BJP. Many candidates are demanding tickets for this seat, and among them, the strongest candidate is DD Uaike. Surprisingly, it was earlier a strong seat for the BJP. But now the voting percent has come down in past elections. This time too, the BJP can’t claim victory over this seat with confidence. In fact, on the issue of development, BJP performance is not satisfactory.
In Gwalior region as well, the voting percent is declining. The magic of Scindia family is on its way out. In other words, today, the charisma of royalty is not a guarantee. You cannot make a fool of anybody time and again.
Anti-incumbency factor or Ram temple or day-dreams of rice and wheat at Rs 2 per kg are totally gobbledygook issues. People know it all very well.
Thus, it is high time for us to understand the importance of our votes. As a result of negative votes, leaders are becoming members of Parliament and forming a government. We, the people, can change this sorry state of affairs.
