BJP Aims for Clean Sweep in Madhya Pradesh Lok Sabha Elections 2024
As the Lok Sabha elections approach in Madhya Pradesh, the political atmosphere is abuzz with the question of whether the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will secure a clean sweep or if the Congress will put up a significant fight.
In the 2019 elections, the BJP dominated Madhya Pradesh, winning 28 out of 29 seats. However, this time, the Congress is determined to hold its ground, particularly in Chhindwara, a stronghold of the Nath family. The party has entrusted Nakul Nath with the responsibility of retaining the seat, which has been held by his family since 1980. However, the BJP is pulling out all the stops to capture this prized seat.
Key Contests: Chhindwara and Rajgarh
The spotlight is particularly on the Chhindwara and Rajgarh parliamentary constituencies. In Chhindwara, a surprise police visit to Kamal Nath’s bungalow just days before polling raised eyebrows. The BJP candidate has accused a top aide of Nath of conspiracy, adding intrigue to the race.
In Rajgarh, Digvijaya Singh, a Rajya Sabha member from the Congress, is facing a formidable challenge from BJP’s Rodmal Naagar. Digvijaya, who has represented the seat in the past, has a strong support base, but Naagar is banking on his previous victories and the BJP’s overall campaign strategy.
Challenges for BJP in Morena, Mandla, and Dhar
The BJP is also facing resistance in Morena, where Nitoo Singh Sikarwar, once a member of the party, is now contesting against them on a Samajwadi Party ticket. Sikarwar comes from an influential political family and is giving a tough fight to Shivmangal Singh Tomar. The entry of a local businessman, Rameshchandra Garg, as a Bahujan Samaj Party candidate, has further intensified the competition.
In Mandla, former Union minister Faggan Singh Kulaste is facing an uphill task. The Congress candidate, Omkar Markam, is a popular tribal leader and the sitting MLA from the Dindori assembly segment.
Dhar, in Western Madhya Pradesh, is another area where the BJP is facing a challenge. The party lost 5 out of 8 assembly segments in the recent assembly polls.
PM Modi’s Focus on Madhya Pradesh
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has visited Madhya Pradesh five times in the run-up to the elections, addressing rallies and holding roadshows. However, he has not yet campaigned in Chhindwara, where Home Minister Amit Shah spent a night strategizing with the party leadership. Both Modi and Shah are expected to make further visits to the state before the final phase of polling on May 13.
The stakes are high for the BJP, which is aiming to achieve its ‘Abki Baar 400 Paar’ goal of winning over 400 seats in the Lok Sabha. Every seat in Madhya Pradesh is crucial in this endeavor, and the party is facing a determined challenge from the Congress and other opposition parties.
