Even when the country was under UPA rule, the NDA continued to keep three strongholds: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh for multiple terms. Each chief minister from BJP, despite facing corruption charges and local challenges, retained the faith of the public. Anti-incumbency and inner party politics in Rajasthan, Maoist rebels in Chhattisgarh and farmer protests in Madhya Pradesh hindered state progress. Regardless, the chief ministers of these three states enjoyed a strong public mandate.
As Rajasthan, MP and Chhattisgarh enter into the ‘poll mode’, political critics scrutinize individual performances of the chief minister. Which of these leaders have better chances of repeating their terms? Let’s find out!
Rajasthan: A State where People Rose Above Region, Religion, and Caste to Vote for BJP…
Regardless of what the opposition may say, the success of Rajasthan BJP doesn’t just rest on the ‘Modi wave’. In 2013, the party won 163 out of 200 seats in the assembly elections—a fact that symbolizes unwavering faith of the public in the party. People voted for chief minister Vasundhara Raje because of her public-friendly approach and futuristic vision for development.
Under Raje’s subversion, Rajasthan BJP expanded its reach to remote rural areas, due to which, the party enjoyed stupendous victory in 75% elections. Students, farmers, and women were the main focus when framing development-centric policies. The state established strong political relations with developing nations like Israel, Singapore, and Japan.
Besides, the government came up with long-term ambitious policies, such as Jal Swavlamban, Bhamashah, Annapurna, Kisan Kaleva, Mukhbir etc. that yielded positive outcomes for the girl child, women, BPL families, youngsters, and farmers. Even minor rebellions, dirty politics and arrival of young ‘Pilot’ into Rajasthan politics couldn’t shake Raje’s growing hold over Rajasthan.
Madhya Pradesh: Agriculture Turned out to be a Source of Unrest for ‘Mama’…
Housing nearly 70% farmers in the state, Madhya Pradesh once took pride in its agricultural potential. Bounteous harvest was a source of pride for farmers, every season. In the last couple of months, Madhya Pradesh’s agricultural sector turned out to be a weak point for the ruling BJP.
Farmers consistently voted for BJP, consequently, CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan served as a chief minister for 3 consecutive terms. This time, Chouhan was severely criticized for overlooking farmer grievances. To top it, his resistance towards CBI investigations in Vyapam scam turned the tables.
Welfare schemes, Narmada cleaning campaign and political yatra made Chouhan famous. He launched subsidized meal plans, education sponsorships for meritorious students and residential scheme for the poor. Regardless, the latest Mandsaur killings were a direct blow to his strength.
We can’t say if Chouhan would repeat his term once again. Nevertheless, the absence of a strong opposition leader may provide beneficial to him.
Chhattisgarh: The State of Political Uncertainties…
Famous as ‘Chaur wale Baba’, Singh is known statewide for his government distribution program, which sends freebies to far-flung areas. Anti-incumbency and Maoist terror were two major obstacles in his way but Singh successfully fought them to register his victory.
Chhattisgarh politics continue to interest because of minor differences between Congress and BJP vote share. BJP won the elections by 2.5%, 1.7% and 0.7% votes in 2003, 2008 and 2013. The upcoming elections are likely to be no different! Considering the present scenario, it’s difficult to predict the winner of next assembly elections. As for Singh, the chances are 50-50%.
