Uttarakhand Election Result 2017, as it happened: BJP sweeps hill state with unprecedented mandate

Rahul Gandhi congratulates BJP for victory

I congratulate Shri. Narendra Modi and the BJP on their victory in Uttar Pradesh & Uttarakhand

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 11, 2017

Congress’ ploy of focussing on Harish Rawat alone has backfired

Congress focussed on Harish Rawat to such an extent that the party alienated other local leaders who rebelled and moved to the BJP. It was these leaders who have won big in Uttarakhand, and have contributed to BJP’s victory.

To read full article, click here

BJP state president Ajay Bhatt loses at Ranikhet to Congress’ Karan Mahara

Uttarakhand BJP president Ajay Bhatt loses to Karan Mahara of Congress by 4981 votes from Ranikhet assembly constituency #ElectionResults pic.twitter.com/m1ILpELy05

— ANI (@ANI) March 11, 2017

How parties’ leads through over the day

Latest numbers as per Election Commission:

BJP: 32 wins, 25 leading

Congress: 8 wins, 3 leading

Independent candidates: 1 win, 1 leading

Rawat to tender his resignation

They tell me Chief Minister Harish Rawat will tender his resignation now. Which is ironic, because the elections have been brutal on him. Tender and brutal are opposites.

Rawat to meet governor Paul to resign after poll debacle

Chief Minister Harish Rawat will meet state Governor KK Paul to tender his resignation, after having accepted his defeat in the Assembly election. Rawat contested from two constituencies, but lost both. Moreover, his Congress party is staring at the prospect of an all-time lowest tally.

No silver lining for Harish Rawat

Results are fast becoming clear in Uttarakhand, and the Congress party looks set for a decimation. Almost all the star names the party had come up with for the Assembly election have suffered heavy defeats. Even its state president and chief minister couldn’t escape losses. The party has been swept away by the tsunami-like wave in favour of the BJP. It’s time for introspection for Rawat. He has lost face and lost his constituency.

यह विजय नहीं महाविजय है. भाजपा ने उत्तर प्रदेश और उत्तराखंड में सफलता की नयी बुलंदियाँ छूकर देश की राजनीतिक तस्वीर बदल दी है.

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) March 11, 2017

Harish Rawat’s defeat sets a new equation 

Harish Rawat ‘s defeat at both the seats and the victory of Vijay Bahuguna’s son Saurabh Bahuguna at the Sitarganj seat sets a new equation. After a disaster in 2013, Bahuguna was replaced with Rawat to elevate Congress’ position. Rawat focused on reconstruction work in Kedarnath.

Later, Rawat emerged as a grassroots politician who always stayed in close contact with pahad and pahadi.

This election will be known for redefining all the measures and setting new trends. All the points that was considered favorable seemed diminishing the future of the party in the state.

The entire election was fought in the name of PM Modi 
 

As BJP proved its reach to the heart of voters, leaving its close rival Congress off-shore in political terms. Yet choosing an appropriate leader who can sustain the grip of party over the state.

Whenever BJP has been in the government, it has witnessed reshuffling of chief ministers many times. Ambitions and over powering tendencies of its top leader has landed the party in soup in previous times.

No leader’s face was influential enough to fetch winsome votes in the state, that is clear from party’s strategy of not projecting any party leader’s face for election. Whole election was fought in the name of PM Modi.

Uttarakhand: Here’s a look at how the candidates are faring 

Most of Congress’ key candidates suffered heavy defeats on Saturday, none more so than Chief Minister Harish Rawat himself, who had contested from two constituencies — Haridwar Rural and Kichcha — but lost from the former and is trailing from the other. A number of Congress MLAs had defected to BJP last year, and most of them have fared quite well.

Replacing Vijay Bahuguna proved fatal for Congress

Replacing Vijay Bahuguna and bringing Harish Rawat has proved fatal for Rahul Gandhi. Rawat has lost both the seats and Bahuguna’s son Saurabh has registered a remarkable win in Sitarganj.

It was assumed that Rawat camp can escalate the position of Congress in state but Vijay Bahuguna who was proved unable to take care of Uttarakhand after the disaster and was dethroned later, has come out as a winner.

It is a proof that congress couldn’t gaze  the mood of voters and kept on living in utopia. While rebels who were considered to be biggest threat to party inmates performance are leading. Big blow to congress.

Cometh the hour…

There’s very little happening in Uttarakhand, but my phone is ringing of the hook.

You know what they say, even a small man casts a massive shadow.

Is it Vijay Bahuguna? Is it Roose Bolton? Is it Brutus?

Remember the Red Wedding when Roose Bolton betrayed the Starks, pretending to be their friend but actually wiped out their entire family? Vijay Bahuguna is the Bolton of Uttarakhand. He led Harish Rawat to believe he’s a friend before turning his back on the Congress party and escaping in the middle of the night with 10 MLAs.

One can only hope he knows what happened to Papa Roose later in the story.

Key constituencies and which way they voted

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) looked set to storm to a massive win in Uttarakhand on Saturday, as they are likely to clinch the 70-seat Assembly with a comfortable majority, relegating Harish Rawat’s incumbent Congress party to a heavy defeat. Here’s a list of the key constituencies in Uttarakhand, and which way they voted.

Bharatiya Janata Party  57
Indian National Congress  9
Independent  4
 

Total  70

Harish Rawat’s victim card failed 

Congress’ Chief Minister Harish Rawat tried to play the victim card since a failed attempt at toppling his government was made last year. He projected himself as being cheated and downplayed by rebels from his own party, while accommodating Congress rebels has also caused rifts within the BJP.

It created infighting in the BJP ranks, and these rebel candidates were considered serious threats to the party’s established nomiees.

Bharatiya Janata Party  55
Indian National Congress  11
Independent  4
 

Total  70

Chin2Leaks Introspection Intercept

BJP set for a massive victory in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand has traditionally been a state where BJP and Congress have always been neck and neck.

Both parties have had to rely upon independent candidates and smaller parties. But the BJP had bucked the trend for the 2017 election with a clean sweep, winning over 50 votes in the 70-seat Assembly.

The 2017 elections were the first time polling took place in the hill state after the Kedarnath tragedy that almost ruined the state and broke its tourism industry, which had been a backbone of its economy. People are still waiting for government aid to rebuild roads, bridges and sources of livelihood. Ignoring these key issues may have created disenchantment among the voters, and the disappointment may have in turn resulted in a thumping victory for the BJP.

Uttarakhand CM Harish Rawat loses from Haridwar rural seat

Uttarakhand CM Harish Rawat loses from Haridwar rural seat pic.twitter.com/x6wpj4RSw7

— ANI (@ANI) March 11, 2017

Bharatiya Janata Party  52
Indian National Congress  14
Independent  4
 

Total  70

Watch: BJP celebrates its clear lead in the election 

Holi is here. #BJP #UttarakhandElection2017 pic.twitter.com/HR9uJwVBr5

— Manisha Pande (@MnshaP) March 11, 2017

Bharatiya Janata Party  53
Indian National Congress  15
Independent  1
 

Total  70

Like the Lannisters, Rawat always pays his dues

And on the evidence of today’s performance, he’s paying through his nose.

Bharatiya Janata Party  54
Indian National Congress  15
Independent  1
 

Total  70

#ResultsForNews18 Landslide for @BJP4India in #Uttarakhand #ElectionResults: https://t.co/BWHWpARak6 pic.twitter.com/O6WZTzfxY0

— News18 (@CNNnews18) March 11, 2017

Bharatiya Janata Party  53
Indian National Congress  15
Independent  2

Total  70

#ResultsWithNews18 Trends out for all 70 seats in #Uttarakhand. The @BJP4India is leading in 51 seats, @INCIndia in 15 and the others in 4 pic.twitter.com/pjNNjPu08N

— News18 (@CNNnews18) March 11, 2017

BJP – 53
Congress – 15
BSP – 1
Other – 1 
 
News18 calls it a win for BJP in Uttarakhand. Congress clinched 15 seats, while BSP gained 1.

BJP gets a clear majority

Latest trends from Uttarakhand: BJP 50, Congress 10 and others 4 #ElectionResults

— ANI (@ANI) March 11, 2017

Take a look at the probable CM candidates from BJP

(From left, clockwise) Trivendra Singh Rawat, Vijay Bahuguna, Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Ajay Tamta, Ajay Bhatt, Anil Baluni, Ramesh Pokhriyal and Satpal Maharaj

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A key question for Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand Congress units

BJP – 54
Congress – 13
BSP – 1
Other – 1 
 
News18 calls it a win for BJP in Uttarakhand. Congress clinched 13 seats, while BSP gained 1.

BJP workers have started celebrating in Uttarakhand

BJP workers have started celebrating at the party’s state headquarter in Dehradun. They are bursting firecrackers and raising the slogans of ‘Modi’.

BJP – 52

Congress – 15

BSP – 1

Other – 1  
News18 calls it a win for BJP in Uttarakhand. Congress clinched 15 seats, while BSP gained 1.

High lead for one party: An anomaly in Uttarakhand election history

It is first time in the history that one party seems to be emerging in high lead. It is likely that demonetisation and Orop issue helped BJP to build on voters’ faith. Now, development was the sole issue that made people vote in their favour.    

Harish Rawat, who worked as one man army, couldn’t stand with BJP aggressive stretegy. Inner differences have been proved to be the last nail in the coffin.

BJP – 50
Congress – 13
BSP – 1
 
News18 calls it a win for BJP in Uttarakhand. Congress clinched 13 seats, while BSP gained 1.

BJP leads on 48 seats 

Leading in 48 seats, the BJP is almost sure of its victory in flying colours in the state. It proves that the charisma of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has worked and BJP has left no stone unturned to ensure its victory.

It was important to win in Uttarakhand and up after losing Bihar election, enough to quiet those who were saying he is fading. 

Intensive campaigning and star studded high voltage rallies remain successful turning voter’s mind in its favour. Modi’s development funda has worked.

BJP – 48
Congress – 12
BSP – 1
 
News18 calls it a win for BJP in Uttarakhand. Congress clinched 12 seats, while BSP gained 1.

BJP – 44
Congress – 12
BSP – 1
 
News18 calls it a win for BJP in Uttarakhand. Congress clinched 12 seats, while BSP gained 1.

BJP to win Uttarakhand?

When counting took its own sweet time to get started, I decided to immerse myself in a book. As I discovered it was a very violent book. So I put it down. 

Then counting began and this trend emerged. A news channel called Utttarakhand for the BJP. Take a moment to spare a thought for Harish Rawat, because now his watch has ended.

Candidate-wise leads 

Raghunath Singh Chauhan from BJP is leading in Almora. 

Harbans Kapoor, BJP from Dehradun Cantt is leading. 

Meena Gangola from BJP is leading in Gangolihat. 

Ranjeet Rawat from the Congress is leading in Ramnagar. 

Govind Singh Kunjwal from Congress is leading in Jageshwar.          

Sanjeev Arya from BJP is leading in Nainital 

Manoj Rawat of Congress leading in Kedarnath

Vinod Chamoli of BJP leading on Dharampur seat in Dehradun. 

Ganesh Joshi of BJP leads in Mussoorie. 

Congress state president Kishore Upadhyay leads in Sahaspur 

Harak Singh Rawat of BJP leading in Kotdwar. 

Rekha Arya of BJP leading in Someshwar.

BJP – 38
Congress – 10
BSP – 1
 
Congress ahead on 10 seats, while BJP leads on 38 seats. BSP gained on one seat. 

The North will rise again

Or something like that, because the early inertia has disappeared and counting is in full flow.

The BJP is ahead in 35 seats and Congress in 10. Things are getting quite hectic now, which is good because they were slow earlier. And had that speed persisted, I wouldn’t be saying what I am now.

BJP – 35
Congress – 10
BSP – 1
 
Congress ahead on ten seats, while BJP leads on 35 seats. BSP gained on one seat.  
 
Source: News18

Service voters did not show much interest in the election 

The election commission had sent 95801 postal Ballot to the Army and Para Millitary establishments in various regions. To the dismay, 16776 postal Ballots were returned to the commission causing much concern for the BJP, who has been playing the ‘Patriotism card’.  

The previous record also reveals  that the service voters  have never been enthusiastic about the state elections where every other house has somebody in the Army.

BJP – 22
Congress – 9
Others – 1
 
Congress ahead on nine seats, while BJP leads on 22 seats. 
 
Source: News18

BJP – 17

Congress – 9

Others – 1

Congress ahead on nine seats, while BJP leads on 17 seats. 

Source: News18

First trends emerge 

Mayukh Mahar from Congress in Pithoragarh is leading. Madhu Chauhan from BJP in Chakrata is leading. Kailash Chandra from BJP is leading in Champawat. Madan Kaushik from BJP in Haridwar is leading.

BJP – 7

Congress – 2 

BSP – 0 

Congress ahead with two, while BJP leads with 7. BSP still has not gained anything in Uttarakhand yet.

Possible CM Candidates 

Harish Rawat has constantly played the victim card in the run up to the election, highlighting the fact that the BJP government at the Centre ignored the state, and also tried to derail his government by triggering a constitutional crisis.

Vijay Bahuguna, the former Congress leader was the previous chief minister of the hill state, and the person most likely to become CM again if the BJP does secure a victory. 

BC Khanduri, the a two-time chief minister of Uttarakhand, ascending to the post for a two-year period immediately following BJP’s win in the 2007 Assembly election.

Ramesh Pokhriyal is another former chief minister of the BJP, who is contesting the polls this year and has hopes of ascending to the CM’s throne.

Ajay Bhatt has been state BJP president since the summer of last year, when nine Congress rebels joined the party. 

Read more.  

Satpal Maharaj’s candidature for CM post can cause resentment 

Before assembly poll results, lobbying for CM post has started in BJP camp.

One segment of worker want to see any old experienced face as a CM while another wants to go with new face in the state. In new face Trivendra Rawat and Ajay Bhatt are the leading names.

Satpal Maharaj is not a old BJP face and his candidature as CM can cause major resentment in within the party.

Small parties losing ground 

Small parties are losing ground in the state.

SP is nonexistent while BSP’s seats have been continuously decreasing.

The state’s only regional party UKD seems nowhere in fray. Even exit polls have discarded it’s prospective.

Kedarnath reconstruction and permanent capital in Gairsain: Major poll issues 

Kedarnath reconstruction and permanent capital in Gairsain have been the major poll issues for Congress, while BJP has been successful in drawing the lines between development versus corruption in the state.

The prime minister has constantly reminded the voters about demonetisation, OROP and surgical strikes and other work done by BJP government in the Centre.

So, it was between Rawat and Modi till elections but now BJP can face a tough challenge projecting a face for state if wins.

Kishore Upadhayay claims exit polls working under PM Modi’s pressure 

Congress state president Kishore Upadhyay has demanded complete ban on exit polls. He said that all the exit poll agencies are working under pressure of PM Modi. 

Almost 60 rooms are booked in capital’s guesthouses, officer’s transit hostel and annexy for newly elected MLAs in the state. Vehicles are arranged to provide facilities.

What will happen in constituencies with turncoat candidates? 

With a number of Congress turncoats trying their luck as BJP candidates this time it will be interesting to watch what happens in constituencies like Narendranagar, Bajpur, Roorkee, Khanpur, Kedarnath, Kotdwar, Sitarganj and Nainital from where erstwhile Congress rebels or their wards have been fielded by the saffron party.

Barring Amrita Rawat and Vijay Bahuguna, all the Congress turncoats who are also sitting MLAs, have been fielded by the BJP. However Amrita’s husband Satpal Maharaj and Bahuguna’s second son Saurav Bahuguna are in the fray as BJP nominees.

Chaubattakhal from where BJP’s Satpal Maharaj is in the fray and Kichcha and Haridwar (rural) the two seats from where chief minister Harish Rawat is seeking a second term, will also evoke much curiosity.

It will also be interesting to see what happens in Sahaspur from where PCC president Kishore Upadhaya is contesting. Ranikhet is important as state BJP president and Leader of Opposition Ajay Bhatt is contesting from there whereas Dhanolti holds much interest as Congress is supporting independent nominee Pritam Singh Panwar from the seat despite fielding Manmohan Mall from there. 

PTI

Modi’s first big political test on demonetisation

This is the day that’ll give us clarity on whether Narendra Modi’s political capital gained or lost on account of his disruptive policy — the demonetisation of Rs 500, Rs 1,000 notes on 8 November last year. The trends seen in various surveys and certain civic poll results give us a sense that the prime minister continues to enjoy the ground support of people despite heavy criticism from many economists and political rivals on the note ban move. 

But, all of this still left room for counter arguments as well, since those outcomes did not, conclusively, offer clarity on whether demonetisation benefited the BJP, although they indeed told us that it didn’t harm the party so far. Hence, arguably, the first major test Modi will face on the note ban will be in state polls, where the public mandate will be out today. 

The flaws in the way the note ban was implemented, prompted even former prime minister Manmohan Singh, to use phrases such as ‘mammoth tragedy’ and ‘organised loot, legalised plunder’ to describe Modi’s move. 

Almost all of his political rivals used demonetisation as a tool to attack Modi since the day it was announced. Let’s remember that demonetisation, besides being a bold, unprecedented economic policy, also carried significant weight as a big political move in Modi’s term. For the Modi government, this was also a political necessity to show the world that its stated focus on black money holders — one of its major poll promises in 2014 — hasn’t faded over time. Will Modi pass his first big demonetisation test? Exit polls indicate he will, but let’s wait for the numbers to speak.

Before the trends start, here’s a look at the exit poll numbers 

The hill state of Uttarkhand may witness BJP’s comeback. According to India Today-Axis poll, the saffron party is expected to win a whopping 53 seats, Times Now-VMR poll keeps the tally at 44 seats.

The ABP-Lokiniti poll and the NewsX-MRC poll also give BJP a comfortable majority in Uttarakhand. However, the India TV-CVoter predicts a hung Assembly. According to this poll, both BJP and Congress may end up winning around 29 to 35 seats in the 70-member Assembly.

Neither party is expected to win with a majority

Given how the last two elections panned out in Uttarakhand, neither party is expected to win with an absolute majority this time either. Analysts believe independent candidates will again hold the key.

As will the BSP, and the Uttarakhand Krandi Dal (UKD), a regional party that could possibly spring a surprise and win one or two seats.

How Uttarakhand’s literacy rates compare 

How the unemployment indicator of Uttarakhand compare against the other states 

Low voter turnout in Uttarakhand’s hilly areas

It’s believed that the low voter turnout in the hilly areas will affect the results. But you can’t blame those folks. It’s very cold. Getting out takes effort and time.

What about Congress’ CM candidate? 

As far as the Congress’ chief ministerial candidate is concerned, there is no scope for a contest. Incumbent Harish Rawat is the only man for the job, and he will get a five-year extension if Congress wins the election.

He has been appealing to voters throughout the campaign, that he needs a full five-year tenure to prove himself.

If the Congress does indeed manage to claim a majority, it would become clear to everybody that Harish Rawat is a strong regional leader, who managed to single-handedly defeat the combined might of the BJP, the central government, the prime minister and the national BJP president.

Rawat knows he is in a corner, and in during campaigns he projected himself as such. In fact, a video showing Rawat as movie character Baahubali went viral pre-election, where he takes on the BJP’s party establishment by himself.

Uttarakhand social indicators: At a quick glance 

Source : PIB, CENSUS

Uttarakhand economic data: At a quick glance 

Source : PIB, CENSUS

Trivendra Singh Rawat says BJP likely to form government

Trivendra singh Rawat, BJP leader, Jharkhand in-charge, said he is all sure to form the government with full majority.

He said that results will prove that people wants BJP in the state. Sources suggest that he is the main contender for the post of CM. 

                       
Rawat is a BJP candidate from Doiwala seat.

Low percentage of voting in hilly region is a reason to worry

Elated at exit poll results, BJP leaders are eyeing on their performance in assembly poll.

A low percent of voting in higher hills is a reason to worry. Difference of few votes is capable of changing political equations.                

In each constituency, a few thousand votes decide fate of candidate. Snow fall in higher hills and rain in plain areas increased chill in the state. Coming results are going to increase chill also.

Our very own election guide for Uttarakhand: Meet Chunavi Chin2

Straight outta Compton? Far from it. Try straight outta Chitrakoot. Chunaavi Chin2 (yes, that’s the way he spells it and we’ll thank you to strictly follow the convention) isn’t your quintessential millennial.

In fact, to him, the issues and candidates involved matter less than the fascinating experience of voting and waiting for the results. What might seem obvious to you or us, or even the person reading these words over your shoulder, is a fascinating discovery for young Chin2.

With college just around the corner, Chin2 is spending his time trying to make sense of India and its fascinating politics.

As it turns out, he is presently focused on Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Much like C Vidyasagar Rao, the governor who handles two states — Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, Chin2 demanded that he be tasked with the fascinating (sensing a theme here?) job of handling both Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

And frankly, who were we to deny him that request?

Look for Chunavi Chin2’s posts in the live for some profound insights!

Uttarakhand swing states

Election Commission announcement 

#ElectionResults2017: starting from 8 AM today https://t.co/griJul8cJF

Here → https://t.co/KDA3supVv3 pic.twitter.com/lCjfhXkMGV

— PIB India (@PIB_India) March 11, 2017

Probable CM candidates if BJP comes to power in Uttarakhand
 

After exit polls results, BJP which fought the elections in the name of PM Modi and did not project any local BJP face, is yet to decide its CM face in the state.
 

A news doing the rounds that the performance of its leaders in the assembly elections will bring a clear picture. Name of BJP’s State president Ajay Bhatt, Trivendra Singh Rawat and Congress rebel Satpal Maharaj are in the air.
 

BJP former chief minister Ramesh Pokhariyal’s name can be included in this list as party insiders says.
 

If BJP comes to the power, CM will have to keep balance among party leaders and congress rebels.

10,000 police personnel deployed for counting 

As state is desperately waiting for its political fate that is closed in the EVM, all set to be opened tomorrow, all the preparations have been done for the counting day. A total of fifteen centres have been made for counting of votes in 70 Assembly seats.

Total 11000 poll personnel and 10,000 police personnel have been deployed for counting.

Counting work will be done on 864 tables in the centres.

Counting will begin at 8 am when postal ballots will be opened. There are 13 centres in district headquarters and one centre each in Haridwar and Champawat.

Each table will be secured by a counting supervisor, counting assistant, micro observer and group D staff. Representatives of party and candidates will also be present.

All the poll personnel have reached at counting centres at 6 am. All security arrangements have been made. CCTV cameras have been installed at all centres.

What will happen if BJP gets a majority? 

If BJP gets a majority in the state, the rebels can again hold the key because the names of some Congress rebels are floating around for post of chief minister. Apart from this, big faces of rebels can claim big position in the government keeping old BJP leaders at bay.

It will not be easy for BJP to ignore the Harak Singh Rawat, Shailendra Mohan SINghal, Subodh UNiyal, and Yashpal Arya like big face of this hill state politics.

A complete list of key candidates and constituencies 

The hill state of Uttarakhand, which was largely in the news for last year’s constitutional crisis and ensuing President’s Rule that was subsequently quashed, will be a referendum on Chief Minister Harish Rawat’s popularity.

The state is important for both Congress and BJP. While the former will hope to be the first party to buck the trend of anti-incumbency in Uttarakhand, BJP has poached several former Congress leaders and will bank on these personalities to mount a comeback.

Growth inequality is emptying out villages in India’s sixth richest state

Uttarakhand was carved out of Uttar Pradesh precisely so that exclusive attention could be given to the development of its remote hill districts. These had been left neglected by successive governments based in UP’s capital Lucknow, around 600 km away. Sixteen years since, the mountain districts of Uttarakhand are still short of basic facilities, especially healthcare. There are no jobs to be had in these districts and this is leading to large-scale migration to the plains, leaving entire mountain villages uninhabited. And farming, which used to be the principal occupation in the hills, is crippled by small land holdings and a lack of government agri initiatives that neighbouring Himachal Pradesh sees in plenty.

To read more, click here

Harish Rawat will have himself to blame if Congress suffers defeat

Chief Minister Harish Rawat had the advantage of playing the victim card — as someone whose legitimate government was toppled by unfair means — and gained sympathy of the masses. He also had the scope to induct fresh blood in terms of candidates and approach the elections with new energy. After all, the troublemakers were out and he had a free hand to choose the best people from the party or outside. However, what the party witnessed were new troubles opening up. Ticket distribution left many hopefuls unhappy and Rawat’s alleged high-handed ways alienated party workers. As many as 50 out of 70 seats in the state, according to media reports, had too many angry Congress workers.

To read full report, click here

Whoever secures the plain area seats will win Uttarakhand

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In the hill state of Uttarakhand, winning the 28 plain area seats is enough to secure majority. In this state, 20 seats fall in the plain areas of Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar, including eight of the 10 seats in Dehradun district.

In 2012, Congress had won five seats and BJP 12 seats in Haridwar and Udham Singh nagar, with both sharing the spoils (four seats each) in Dehradun.

To attain majority, victory in these seats will play a pivotal role. Party heavyweights on both sides are trying their luck on these seats, including chief minister Harish Rawat, who is contesting from Kichcha and Haridwar.

‘Baahubali’ vs ‘baaghi’ in hill state as old rivals lock horns again

Harish Rawat is the only man for the job for Congress, and he will get a five-year extension if the party wins the election. He has been appealing to voters throughout the campaign, that he needs a full five-year tenure to prove himself. If the Congress does indeed manage to claim a majority, it would become clear to everybody that Harish Rawat is a strong regional leader, who managed to single-handedly defeat the combined might of the BJP, the central government, the prime minister and the national BJP president.

To read more, click here

State all set for counting day

The political fate of Uttarakhand’s political parties is sealed in EVM machines, which will be opened on Saturday morning. All preparations for D-Day have been done, and 15 counting centres spread over 70 Assembly constituencies are in readyness. A total of 11,000 poll personnel, with 10,000 police officers have been deployed for counting.

Counting will begin at 8 am on Saturday morning, initially when postal ballots will be opened. There are 13 centres in district headquarters, and one centre each in Haridwar and Champawat. The counting work will be done on 864 tables in these 15 centres. Each table will be secured by a counting supervisor, a counting assistant, a micro observer and group D staff. Representatives of party and candidates will also be present.

BJP rebels can make the chair chase tough in hill state

BJP seems to be sure of its win, expected from Narendra Modi’s storming rallies throughout the state and special attention given to the state by top party leaders. Tickets given to Congress rebels have been the major cause of resentment within the party. Moreover, preferences given to rebels over party loyalists can cause problems to BJP on many seats. Old party loyalists who joined Congress or are fighting independently can also give a big blow to the dream of forming a government in the state.

To read more click here

Uttarakhand and sustainable development

It was on 9 November, 2000, that Uttarakhand came into being as a separate state, to exert emphasis on its own geopolitcal needs.

But rather than becoming a hub for sustainable development, it has transformed into a centre for political drama. It has green pastures and the ground is rich in metallic and non-metallic minerals such as limestone and copper. But these are used more by the mining mafia, often hand-in-glove with politicians.

Migration, unemployment, women and .child health, ecological disasters, depreciating tourism and traditional farming, water conservation, man-animal conflict, illegal wildlife trade, ill-conceived hydropower projects, forest fires and deforestation are all serious issues concerning the Pahadi voters everyday.

Key issues in the run up to the polls 

Uttarakhand has moved on from being a primarily agrarian state.

The important issues in the state have to do with migration, unemployment, women and child health, ecological disasters, depreciating tourism and traditional farming, water conservation, man-animal conflict, illegal wildlife trade, ill-conceived hydropower projects, forest fires and deforestation etc. These were the issues that concerned the hill state.

How would exit poll projections match up against 2012 Assembly election?

The 2012 Assembly election witnessed a neck and neck battle between Congress and BJP, with the former winning 32 seats to the latter’s 31. BSP, with three seats, became king-maker, helping the Congress form government for the second time in the hill state. This year, exit polls have said the BJP’s voteshare is likely to improve significantly, with most pollsters giving the saffron party above 35 seats — the magic figure to establish solo majority in the 70-member house.

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Exit polls gave BJP the edge

Uttarakhand voters have again voted in favour of anti-incumbency, suggest a series of exit polls released on Thursday. The exit polls — conducted by Chanakya, C-Voter, MRC and Axis My India — were released on Thursday evening at 5.30 pm. Of these, only C-Voter predicted anything close to a tight contest; their exit poll said Congress and BJP would be tied at 32 seats apiece. The Today’s Chanakya exit poll claimed the most one-sided win for the BJP with 53 out of 70 seats. As per the News X-MRC exit poll, Congress is likelyt to win 30 seats again but will fall comfortably short of the BJP’s tally of 38. Finally, the Axis My India poll gave Congress between 12-21 seats while said BJP will win between 46 to 53 seats.

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