Ground Report Etawah: Dalit voters…lucky, fierce competition between SP-BSP and BJP
As soon as the name of Etawah comes, many questions arise in the mind. The seat which won BSP founder Kanshi Ram. It became the stronghold of Mulayam family. The seat where Dalit population is 26.85 percent. The seat which is reserved for Scheduled Caste since 2009. But BSP, which does politics keeping Dalits at the centre, could not register victory here after securing the seat.
Today we talked about Etawah. Of the political mood and style here. As soon as the name of Etawah comes, many questions arise in the mind. The seat which won BSP founder Kanshi Ram. It became the stronghold of Mulayam family. The seat where Dalit population is 26.85 percent. The seat which is reserved for Scheduled Caste since 2009. But BSP, which does politics keeping Dalits at the centre, could not register victory here after securing the seat.
Even though no one from Mulayam’s family has been in the field here, the influence of the family has been visible on this seat. However, in 2009, the magic of love of SP’s Premdas reached people’s heads. After this the saffron color became brighter here. Since it came into existence in 1957, only SP’s Raghuraj Singh Shakya has won this seat twice consecutively. Sitting MP Ramashankar Katheria, who is contesting from the saffron camp for the second time, faces the challenge of breaking the tradition. However, there is a close contest with Jitendra Dohra, who has entered the fray from SP. In such a situation, it has to be seen who will prevail over whom.
The geography of Etawah Lok Sabha constituency is also very interesting. In this, Etawah has two assembly seats – Etawah Sadar and Bharthana. At the same time, there is Auraiya Sadar of Auraiya district and Sikandra assembly seat of Dibiyapur and Kanpur Dehat. Bharthana and Dibiyapur seats are with SP, while others are with BJP.
Basrehar town is on the way towards Etawah from Agra Expressway. As soon as Ajit Shakya questions the people sitting at the tea shop about the election atmosphere, he points towards the broken road. It is said that if there was SP government, this situation would not have happened. BJP ignored this area. The work that was done earlier is also slowly being destroyed. Shakya had just spoken the last word of the sentence when Vimal Paliwal jumped in. He said, the temple has been constructed, as far as the road is concerned, that too is being built. It takes time to complete the work. At the same time, Devesh Dohra, Rajkumar and Pankaj also talk about direct competition between BJP and SP. His argument is that BSP is getting less attention. Because SP has made the game interesting by betting on Jitendra Dohra, who was once the district president of BSP.
When we moved towards Datawali, many shops were found broken. On enquiry, it was revealed that the road had to be widened, hence they had to be demolished. Jaggi Shakya, who was found standing on the roadside, points towards her house and taunts, this is development. Whatever was there, that too was broken. Therefore this time I will vote for bicycle. At the same time, Vijay Katheria standing nearby advocates BJP. He says that if there is development, we will have to bear some losses also.
We are looking for a teacher near the District Basic Education Officer’s office in Etawah city. Shivram and Santosh Shakya met. They say, this time only BJP will come. But, teacher Sunita protests. She says that this government has imposed every work on the teachers. Leaving aside studies, all other work is being done. There is only a promise to give the old pension. This time we will vote thoughtfully. Chhotu Mistry of Ashok Nagar also opposes BJP. It is said that next time the lotus blooms, the shop here may have to be closed. I am tired of listening to taunts.
Lion Safari was created, not a means of employment
Uday Pratap Singh, met at Balrampur intersection, says, we will vote in the name of Ram and the work of Modi. Shivansh argues that Ram temple is built on the orders of the court. There is no means of employment here. Taking the matter further, Ankit says, people of Etawah have to go to Delhi, Noida for employment. Lion Safari did not increase any employment opportunities. Health services are not good. Ankit also gives a similar argument. Youth Ramkumar and Santosh Singh Shakya of Sikandra town also raise the question of employment. Although businessman Rambhajan says that he has to pay more tax, but the law and order is good.
Expressing their likes and dislikes openly
Election discussions were going on at a shop in Bakewar town of Bharthana assembly constituency. We also joined in it. Businessmen Narendra Singh, Brajesh and Ashok Rathi say, we are with BJP. Why? On this question, he defines Yogi government as good governance. But Rajeev Pathak presents a different picture. He says, it is very important to build a bridge on Yamuna river near the town. Stray animals eat the crops. Farmers are not able to cover their expenses. Fertilizer prices have increased.
Shashikant Tripathi and Pradeep Tiwari say that BJP has given an educated candidate, hence they will vote for him. As soon as we came out of the town, we met Mithilesh Baghel returning from the fields. He praises the BSP candidate. It is said that Dalits and Baghel together will create a new equation.
District was formed but facilities were not provided
Rajesh Vajpayee met near Subhash Chowk, Amar Vishnoi says, even after 27 years of formation of the district, many offices are still in Etawah. Taking his point further, Rajkumar Saxena says, the public representative does not come to Auraiya after winning. Amar Vishnoi says, whether MPs from the ruling party or the opposition, did not pay attention to Auraiya. Ramkumar Vishnoi raises the issue of lack of facilities in the hospital. On this Ajit says that BJP has stopped hooliganism. Bhanu Rajput also supports his point. But, they also say that the MP’s behavior is not good, but voting is a compulsion.
Voters vocal on local issues
Jai Prakash, met in Dibiyapur, says that there is talk of building another overbridge next to the overbridge built in the town. This will destroy the entire town. We want it to be bypassed and built. Whereas Prem Shankar points out the need to restart the trains that were stopped in Dibiyapur during the Corona period. It is said that letters were written several times regarding this. No hearing took place.
warrior in summer
Ramashankar Katheria, BJP: Has been Minister of State for Human Resource Development. BJP has expressed confidence for the second time. The traditional vote bank is with us. But, many BJP leaders from the Lok Sabha constituency are angry. There is a possibility of a stroke. The challenge is to unite them.
Jitendra Dohre, SP: Has come from BSP cadre and is contesting elections for the first time. The dual community has the highest vote bank among Dalits. The trust of the community with the traditional vote bank of SP. The challenge is to keep the Dalit vote bank simple.
Sarika Singh, BSP: Former MP from Hathras. My maternal home is in Etawah. Due to marriage in the Baghel family, the vote bank of that caste also has confidence. The challenge of preserving the Dalit vote bank.
Courtesy: Hindi News