Chamoli (Uttarakhand) [India]: Ahead of the Kedarnath by-election, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday expressed confidence that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would secure a decisive victory in the Kedarnath Assembly constituency, citing a favourable atmosphere for the party.
“After the Kedarnath tragedy of 2013, significant development has been carried out in Kedarnath under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the past 10 years. The reconstruction and redevelopment of Shri Kedarnath Dham have been accomplished by our government. The atmosphere is clearly in favour of the BJP, and we will win the Kedarnath Assembly constituency with a record margin,” the Chief Minister said while speaking to media.
Earlier in the day, CM Dhami offered prayers at the Kalimath Temple in Rudraprayag.
Later, the Chief Minister participated in a public meeting in Guptkashi, Rudraprayag, organised to support BJP candidate Asha Nautiyal for the Kedarnath by-election. He also led a bike rally in her support.
Addressing a public rally in Guptkashi, CM Dhami said, “Several development projects have been undertaken in Kedarnath Dham under PM Modi’s leadership. Following his vision, efforts are being made to establish Kedarnath as a global tourist destination. Various government schemes have significantly improved the lives of people here. During the Congress regime, the number of devotees visiting Kedarnath did not exceed two lakh, but this figure has risen to 20 lakh during the BJP’s tenure.”
He further added, “The Congress has indulged in appeasement politics. They promoted land jihad and facilitated the settlement of infiltrators in the state. In contrast, the BJP has worked to preserve the demographic structure and provide employment opportunities for the youth.”
The Kedarnath Assembly seat fell vacant following the death of former MLA Shaila Rani.
The by-election for the Kedarnath Assembly constituency is scheduled for November 20, with the vote counting to take place on November 23.