INDORE: The state of Madhya Pradesh is ready to enter the electoral competition between the two main contenders of the political throne- the saffron party and the grand old party. The New Indian ventured into the streets of the cleanest city to gauge what voters want from the upcoming elections.
The New Indian’s Executive Editor Rohan Dua spoke to locals from Indore who showed strong support for the incumbent ruling BJP government. Many echoed similar sentiments of wanting the BJP to stay in power, continuing their reign of 18 years.
A local MBA student said, “For the last 18 years BJP has been doing really well in MP. I have been to five or six states in the country but Indore is the cleanest city in the country. The roads and everything here are developed. Hence the BJP should remain in power.”
A local woman hailed the pace at which the city is developing and competing with metropolitan cities like Mumbai. She said, “Indore is turning into a metro city like Mumbai because it is growing very fast. Earlier we used to think about where is ‘chota Mumbai’ (mini Mumbai) but now we also believe that Indore is growing into that.”
“I think BJP has strong chances to come back in power since the cleanliness that was needed here has come. It’s growing at a very rapid pace too. When Congress was here, the city was too dirty,” she added, criticising the earlier Congress rule for not doing enough for the state.
The party is also gaining support for its dedication to Sanatan Dharma. Businessman Mann Kamal Hasan Gupta asserts that when it comes to advancing both development and religion simultaneously, the BJP is the only choice.
He also spoke on the importance of BJP state veteran leader Kailash Vijayvargiya in Indore. He said, “BJP should come because of Hindutva also. Modi has also done a lot of work and placed us on the global map. If I talk about the place of Kailash Vijayvargiya in Indore politics, it is the same as Chanakya or Vidura in Mahabharat.”
Youth also affirmed their support for the BJP because of their push for the Hindu religion. Locals from Ujjain, who came to visit Indore, hailed the BJP for developing the Mahakal corridor. They also cited the development projects ongoing in the state.
Brijesh Chawda said, “It’s easy to come from Ujjain to Indore now because of better roads. I am sure the BJP will come back especially because of the trump card they played. Ladli Laxmi and Ladli Behna were given a free hit on a no ball by Shivraj Singh Chauhan.”
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Residents also expressed their love for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Fashion designer Ayushi Yadav, said, “I will always be on the side of Modi because since he has come, there has been development. I would really want BJP to come back to MP.” Shanti Chauhan, a local woman, said that the Modi factor will work in favour of the BJP.
Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chauhan, who is lovingly referred to as ‘Mamaji’ by the people of the state, also remains a popular name in the city. Palak Yadav, said, “I think currently the atmosphere in Madhya Pradesh is pro-BJP. There is also the ‘Mama’ factor in play. Congress hasn’t done a lot of work when they were in power. Their influence is also not as much when compared to the BJP.”
Teacher Rashmir Mathur shared that CM Chouhan’s work outweighs Congress leader Kamal Nath. He said, “The weights are in favour of Shivraj Singh Chouhan and not of Kamal Nath. I want BJP to come back and I will vote for them only. You see cleanliness in Indore all over. It wasn’t during Congress’ rule.”
Rahul Yadav, an auto-rickshaw driver, wants BJP and Kailash Vijayvargiya to come back because of the good work done in the poll-bound state. Born and brought up in Indore, Rahul, who is a graduate, says he will vote for whoever does the good work, despite his (Yadav) community usually supporting parties like BSP, SP, and RJD.