Traditional approach of voters favours major parties in Gunderdehi assembly constituency

 

 

Gunderdehi Assembly Constituency, known for its cultural diversity and situated on both sides of the Sheonath river, is all set to witness a key contest in the upcoming assembly elections. With just a few months left, political aspirants are engaging in political movements and addressing issues of people with a renewed vigour to attract voters. However, the changed winning equations due to delimitation pose a challenge for parties to secure victory and in selecting suitable candidates.

The Congress party seems to have a significant influence in this constituency, which was previously part of the Durg district and is now a part of the division. If the victory margin of the Congress candidate in the previous election is a testament. Although tribal votes followed by Sahu votes hold sway, winning solely on the basis of caste is no longer guaranteed. The candidate selection and their representation of the entire constituency play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the election. The region faces key issues such as poor road conditions and inadequate water supply etc besides there is also resentment over the strict criteria for unemployment allowance payments set by the government as many youths have been deprived of it.

The ruling party has recognized these problems and recently initiated efforts to improve road infrastructure and water supply facilities. However, the failure to enforce a liquor ban, which is a state-level issue, could negatively impact the ruling party’s chances, with the opposition likely to capitalize on it during the elections. Women in Gunderdehi have been active in the liquor prohibition movement, and the constituency saw many such movements by the various Women groups. Despite these challenges, schemes such as Gothan, RIPA, increased paddy purchase limit, reduced power bills, and loan waivers have left a positive impact on the Congress party’s image in the constituency. These initiatives could pave the way for the ruling party’s candidate to secure victory, but the opposition is critical of the ruling party’s performance and lack of developmental activities. The BJP’s constant attack on the ruling party over its failures could make up a perception, if the Congress does not counter it appropriately. In the Congress party, the sitting MLA always has an advantage over other aspirants to secure a ticket if there is no major allegations against the candidate and is receptive. This way Kunwar Singh Nishad has an advantage over other aspirants for the ticket. However, in politics until the time the ticket is announced by the party there is always a possibility so other hopeful contenders for the ticket include Krnati Bhushan Sahu, Dr. Narayan Sahu, Sanjay Sahu, Sona Devi Deshlahare, and Suchitra Sahu. The BJP also has a long list of aspirants for the ticket, but the party is being cautious in candidate selection, considering chances of victory and a good image as strong criteria. Gunderdehi has been unpredictable in previous elections, reflecting the astuteness of the electorate in choosing their representative. Rebels from BJP and Congress have tried to sabotage their respective candidates in the past, but their impact on the election results has been minimal.

The absence of a third front in the assembly constituency indicates that voters tend to stick with the major parties and follow a traditional approach. They show a preference for candidates from established political parties rather than supporting independent or lesser-known candidates. This suggests that the electorate values the familiar and established platforms offered by the major parties, considering them as reliable choices. Previous election results show the victories of Kunwar Singh Nishad from INC in 2018, Rajendra Kumar Rai from INC in 2013, Virendra Kumar Sahu from BJP in 2008, and Ramshela Sahu from BJP in 2003. In the 2018 elections, Kunwar Singh Nishad secured victory with 1,10,369 votes, while Deepak Tarachand Sahu from BJP received 54,975 votes, and Rajendra Kumar Rai from JCCJ managed only 8,648 votes. Similarly, in 2013, Rajendra Kumar Rai from INC won with 72,770 votes, defeating Virendra Kumar Sahu from BJP, who secured 51,490 votes. Notably, Human Sahu from CSM garnered 16,745 votes, and Dr. Balmunkund Dewangan as an independent candidate secured 14,483 votes. During the 2008 elections, Virendra Kumar Sahu from BJP emerged as the winner with 64,010 votes, closely followed by Ghanaram Sahu from INC with 61,425 votes. Indar Bhaiyya from BSP secured 7,760 votes. In 2003, Ramshila Sahu from BJP secured victory with 40,813 votes, defeating Ghanaram Sahu from INC, who got 31,523 votes. Other candidates, such as Gajendra Thakur from NCP and Arjun Singh Nishad from BSP, received 9,398 and 7,949 votes, respectively.