Uttarakhand Bypolls Result 2024: The Indian National Congress has dealt a significant blow to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the recent bypolls, with the party facing defeats in several crucial constituencies. The most significant setback is considered to be the loss in the Badrinath seat. Badrinath, part of the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit and a site of various mythological importance, has proven to be a major concern for the BJP despite ongoing development projects in the area. This follows a recent defeat for the BJP in Ayodhya during the Lok Sabha elections, a loss that was unexpected given Ayodhya being Lord Ram’s birthplace. Additionally, the BJP also lost seats in nearby regions such as Basti, as well as along the Ram Van Gaman Path in Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, Nashik, and Rameswaram. The similar outcome in Badrinath has raised questions about whether the BJP government is failing to win over local voters despite its efforts to develop religious sites.
Questions Deepen Following BJP’s Defeat
The defeat of the BJP in Badrinath has intensified existing concerns. A few months ago, there was significant protest in Badrinath from priests and local residents, including the Panda community. The protesters argued that the VIP darshan facilities were causing considerable inconvenience to ordinary devotees. They demanded that the temple provide entry facilities similar to those available in the past. The unrest was substantial, with strong reactions from the local population. It is reported that the central government’s master plan for the Char Dham has generated considerable dissatisfaction among locals. They claim that there was no local study conducted regarding the Badrinath master plan, and there has been no effort to understand the potential negative impacts of these construction projects on the area.
Defeat in Badrinath
Congress has traditionally been victorious in Badrinath, with Rajendra Bhandari winning on a Congress ticket in 2022. However, before the recent Lok Sabha elections, he switched allegiance to the BJP, which then nominated him for the Badrinath seat. Despite this, Bhandari failed to gain public trust, and his image as a defector worked against him. The Congress candidate, Lakhpat Butola, emerged victorious. This result highlights that the BJP was unable to attract Congress voters. The BJP also faced a setback in the Mangalore seat, where Congress’s Kazi Nizamuddin won by just 449 votes. Both by-elections were held on July 10.
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Unprecedented Flooding in Alaknanda
The existence of Badrinath is closely tied to its surrounding environment. The current riverfront development involves removing boulders and replacing them with RCC walls. Locals argue that these walls cannot replace the natural boulders and may become ineffective if river levels rise in the future. The first monsoon rains have already caused a significant rise in the Alaknanda River, raising concerns among locals who claim they have never seen such flooding before. They believe the construction work, which involves dumping debris into the riverbed, is raising the riverbed and increasing flood risks.
Discontent Among Pilgrimage Priests
Discontent over arbitrary development work has also contributed to the BJP’s difficulties. Pilgrimage priests have expressed dissatisfaction, noting that the construction work has altered the form of the Prahlad Dhara and Narayan Dhara, which are traditionally used for the coronation of Raval Ji. Additionally, there is anger among locals regarding inadequate compensation for their homes and properties. The results in Badrinath reflect that these issues have negatively impacted the BJP in the elections.
Upcoming Challenge in Kedarnath
The BJP’s next major test may be in Kedarnath. Following the recent death of BJP MLA Sheila Rani, a by-election is expected soon. The dissatisfaction among locals at sacred sites like Ayodhya and Badrinath has put pressure on the party leadership. In Kedarnath, there is also significant discontent. Recently, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami performed the Bhoomi Puja ceremony for a symbolic Kedarnath temple in Delhi, which has angered both saints and locals in Uttarakhand. The people of Kedarnath and the four Dhams’ priests are questioning whether visits to these holy sites will be managed from Delhi, seeing this as an insult to Sanatan Dharma and cultural heritage.
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