JHANSI: Anurag Sharma, the BJP’s incumbent MP from Jhansi, is facing a significant challenge from the INDIA bloc candidate, Pradeep Jain Aditya. Despite this, Sharma remains confident, citing the strong popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the meticulous election strategy executed by his party.
“The INDIA alliance is faltering in UP,” asserts Sharma. “One party relies heavily on its narrow, caste-based voter base, while the other lacks grassroots presence. In the 2022 elections, many of their candidates lost their deposits. This time, only one Gandhi is contesting, and he even changed his constituency, indicating a lack of confidence in their own work,” remarked Sharma, a member of the Baidyanath family, who secured the Jhansi-Lalitpur seat in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.
Sharma has mobilized his entire family in the campaign, with his wife, sister, and daughters actively participating. The BJP’s well-coordinated machinery ensures comprehensive outreach through music videos, pamphlets, and social media, covering every village in the constituency.
Sharma’s optimism is bolstered by the rapid development in Bundelkhand under the Modi administration. He emphasizes that the people are now more aware and appreciative of the tangible changes. He highlights the BJP’s success in reaching the poorest through initiatives like the free ration scheme, which he believes has empowered people to seek employment and gain independence.
“The expectations have risen as people witness on-ground changes. Bundelkhand, previously not economically strong, now has substantial aspirations. Projects like the Bundelkhand Industrial Development Authority will bring not only industry but also services to the region. We are in the process of acquiring 36,000 acres for this project,” Sharma explains, adding that the improved investor confidence has attracted many foreign companies to UP.
However, Sharma acknowledges the delays in the Har Ghar Nal scheme, aimed at providing tap water to every household in Bundelkhand. The project has faced setbacks due to bankrupt companies, challenging terrain, and logistical issues with intake wells located in MP. “Although the state government claims Bundelkhand is covered, only 40% of households currently receive water, with another 30% expected to benefit in the next three months. Around 90% of the pipes have been laid, so we anticipate completion soon,” he notes.
With Prime Minister Modi’s support and the BJP’s robust campaign, Sharma is confident of retaining his seat and continuing the development trajectory in Bundelkhand.
