Friday, 19 APRIL 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
Many people have expressed concern regarding the political parties’ apparent disregard for crucial issues in this Lok Sabha election. They have pointed out that while one party seems excessively confident and is predominantly campaigning in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the other is focused on criticising the current Central government and is banking on an anti-incumbency factor for its electoral success. Issues like social reforms, strengthening the education system and formulating new policies for foreign affairs should take precedence in the parties’ election discourse, local residents said.
The election process has been not only notably devoid of banners, posters and traditional campaign activities but also has been relatively free of important issues, which the parties are expected to address following the election results.
Government employee Dev Chanchal said that compared to the past polls, the dynamics of the current election have undergone a significant transformation. One major difference is the absence of election campaigns by political parties. Additionally, it has been observed that political parties have refrained from raising issues during the election that they would fulfill should they emerge victorious. While it is a common occurrence for winning parties to prioritise fulfilling their promises post-election, this has not always been the case. Enhancing the education system and fostering good diplomatic relationships with other nations for the rapid development of India have emerged as crucial issues highlighted by political parties in this election.
“This year, the parties are facing a deficiency in addressing crucial issues post-election. The parties should have addressed broader issues during this election, such as improving facilities in remote areas, specifically in the mountainous regions of Uttarakhand, to reduce migration,” said another local resident.
He further added that the proliferation of private colleges in Uttarakhand has led to exorbitant fees. Considering this, the need to expand government colleges to enhance the education system should also be prioritised by the parties in this election, he said.
Additionally, many people have raised a concern that this year’s election has neglected important issues like healthcare, employment and other factors crucial for India’s development as well as for the State. Additionally, some individuals are lacking awareness of key issues that ought to be addressed during the election. Local resident Vishal Kunwar expressed ignorance regarding critical election topics. For him, the primary concern is sustenance, as he relies on government-provided free monthly rations, Kunwar added.
