Since 1990, Himachal Pradesh has a history of not repeating governments. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is hoping to break the voodoo of the ruling party in the state with its slogan Raj Nahin, Riwaaz Badlenge (Not a rule, but the custom will change).
Meanwhile, the opposition Congress exhorted the people not to change the tradition (of not repeating the government) and to give the party a chance to form a government.
Addressing a rally in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, “When elections come, people are urging you to change the tradition. But you should be proud of your state and your traditions.”
“You people have maintained a good tradition of changing the government every five years. Politicians learn from this. They learn that they have five years to work or else they will be thrown out of power,” she said. “So, brothers and sisters, this is a good tradition; don’t change it, or you will be at loss,” she added.
Highlighting the relationship between the former Prime Minister and her grandmother Indira Gandhi with the hilly state, Priyanka Gandhi said, “Even after 40 years, people remember Indira Gandhi. That is something special. What was special about Indira Gandhi that people still remember her after 40 years of her death? “Politics in the country have changed dramatically since her death.”
“In today’s politics, there is selfishness and a lot of promises are made. But such was not the case during Indira Gandhi’s time. Even people questioned the formation of Himachal Pradesh and the result is in front of everyone today,” she said.
Slamming Chief minister Jairam Thakur, Priyanka said, “What has the Chief Minister done for Mandi? 63,000 government posts are lying vacant but you are not getting employment because they (BJP) don’t have the intention of giving you employment.”
“Today there is a rise in unemployment and inflation in the state,” Priyanka said. “Change the government. We will bring back the old pension scheme. We want to educate you,” the Congress leader said.
Elections for the 68-member assembly are scheduled for November 12. The counting of votes will take place on December 8.