As Uttarakhand gears up to cast its votes for all five Lok Sabha seats on April 19, the contest on the Garhwal seat, won by the BJP on all but two occasions in the past four decades, is keenly anticipated. The party has nominated its national chief spokesperson Anil Baluni for the seat. He spoke with Avaneesh Mishra. Excerpts
You have been campaigning in Garhwal for several days now. What has been your experience so far?
This election has been unlike any other in my lifetime. Even children enthusiastically rally behind our flag, chanting ‘ab ki baar 400 paar’ and ‘Modi hai to mumkin hai’. This fervour indicates a landslide victory in the making. With just five Lok Sabha seats in Uttarakhand, we are poised to win them all. For example, in the constituency of Devprayag Vidhan Sabha, our projections suggest 80-85% votes to us. Moreover, many political analysts predict a sweep of 76-77 seats out of 80 in Uttar Pradesh as well. While on the national level we are targeting over 400 seats, in Uttarakhand we are saying ‘ab ki baar 25 lakh paar’, which means we will win all five seats with a margin of over 5 lakh votes each.
BJP’s Lok Sabha candidate from Garhwal seat Anil Baluni during his visit to the native village of the country’s first CDS General Bipin Rawat. (Photo: PTI)
What are the main issues?
First of all, people recognise that this election is about choosing the Prime Minister, making it a vote for Narendra Modi. Consistently, the campaign’s key themes have been positive, the government’s accomplishments over the past decade. While countries like the US, the UK, France and Germany struggled to provide free vaccines during the Covid-19 pandemic, Modi ji ensured their distribution.
Free ration reaches 80 crore people, everyone holds Ayushman cards, now we will roll it out for all senior citizens over 70, farmers benefit from Kisan Samman Nidhi, and over 4 crore people have been provided housing. Additionally, schemes like lakhpati didi and drone didi empower women.
BJP National Media In-charge Anil Baluni during his visit to the native village ‘Sain Gaon’ of the country’s first CDS General Vipin Rawat, in Pauri Garhwal district, Monday, April 1, 2024. (PTI Photo)
Looking ahead, our agenda focuses on ‘developed India, developed Uttarakhand, and developed Garhwal’. Initiatives like the Rishikesh-Karnprayag railway line promise transformative change for Uttarakhand. Last year, the Chardham yatra attracted 50-60 lakh pilgrims, underscoring the region’s immense tourism potential. My constituency, Garhwal, boasts attractions like Rishikesh’s global recognition for yoga and wellness, the hill station of Pauri, Lansdowne, thrilling Ganga rafting adventures, and Jim Corbett National Park. We are committed to developing these destinations, curbing migration, and ensuring employment opportunities in every household, with tourism serving as the primary driver.
You have held important posts like national chief spokesperson of BJP… How does that play out in the campaign?
I have indeed been closely associated with the central leadership and have established strong connections with central ministers. As a result, people have high expectations of me, believing I can effectively address their concerns and deliver results. In a sense, this election carries the weight of hope, a belief in the future, as voters look to me to fulfil their aspirations. They see me as a candidate rooted in the state and also as one who will be their voice in Parliament, work as a bridge between state and the centre.
Garhwal has recently faced ecological challenges like land subsidence in Joshimath. How do you plan to address these issues if elected?
Ecological concerns, such as those seen in the Himalayan range, are indeed pressing issues. While halting such phenomena entirely may prove challenging, we are committed to minimising its impact and facilitating the relocation of affected populations with minimal disruption.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami during an election campaign roadshow with BJP candidate Anil Baluni. (Photo: PTI)
The Ankita Bhandari murder case has drawn attention in this constituency, with the Congress targeting the BJP over it. How do you respond?
The Congress’s attempts to divert attention from developmental issues are evident. Ankita Bhandari was a daughter of Uttarakhand and any injustice against her concerns us deeply. I have always spoken whenever there was oppression against any Uttarakhandi anywhere in the country. We remain vigilant regarding this case, and if any wrongdoing is found, I will be at the forefront of demanding justice.
Your critics say that your responsibilities in Delhi may take more of your time than the demands of the state.
All these are unfounded. My roots in Garhwal run deep… Attempts by the opposition to portray me as disconnected from Garhwal are baseless. My opponent (Ganesh Godiyal) is the outsider. In his affidavit he mentioned his residence in Mumbai… Full interview