Issues related to development are at the forefront of the fierce struggle for Vidisha

Since Vidisha’s first election in 1967, the region has been a hotbed of the saffron movement. Usually, no one is interested in discussing which party will prevail this time. The race is being closely watched nonetheless, since the Congress has supported two-term MP Pratap Bhanu Sharma against five-term MP and BJP mainstay Shivraj Singh Chouhan, a former chief minister of Madhya Pradesh.

At least three of the eight Assembly segments of the well-known Lok Sabha sector, which are dispersed over the districts of Vidisha, Dewas, Budhni, and Bhojpur, have been dealing with development problems, such as recurrent power outages and inadequate infrastructure for schools.

In these Assembly segments, party workers and voters are nervous. “We get a free ration, but the grain is of low quality. Typically, cattle are fed foodgrain. According to Budhni town resident Parasaram Harle, “officials have withheld my application, so my wife is unable to become a beneficiary of the Ladli Behna (monthly income support of Rs 1,250 for poor women started by Chouhan last year), despite several attempts.”

“My boys attended a public school. According to 45-year-old Dalit Parasaram, “the infrastructure of schools has deteriorated since private ones started gaining prominence.” Fruit vendor Harle believes that wealthy individuals in society keep the advantages of residing in a VIP seat to themselves (the current MLA from the Budhni Assembly constituency is former chief minister Chouhan).

Rajesh Prajapati, a resident of Berkheda village in the Bhojpur sector, acknowledges his struggle to deal with social and economic disparity. He expresses dissatisfaction with both state and federal government programs, saying: “I approach officials for a beneficiary card every time, but they always refuse, giving some excuse.” We are not able to participate in government programs because we cannot afford to pay large bribes.”

Prajapati, a driver, continues, “I am finding it difficult to make ends meet with a salary of Rs 8,000,” noting that growing costs have decreased his buying power.

Others believe politicians and political parties need to put in more effort in order to win over people; they cannot be won over with populist policies and branding alone.

“Due to special initiatives, women are now given preference in elections,” adds Dhan Singh, gesturing to a Laadli Behna banner that is displayed across the street from the Sanchi stupas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Others believe that even though the BJP had a smooth victory in the Assembly elections last year, the vote on May 7 may not be an easy one for them. In Sanchi, Bahadur Singh predicts that voters will exercise caution while casting their ballots.

Nor is the commercial community enthusiastic. Former PHDCCI president and social worker Rajendra Kothari says, “I wish to ask former CM Chouhan what he has done for the constituency during his five terms.” Kothari brings up an incident from 2007 in which irregularities were discovered, forcing the Planning Commission to send a team to monitor the midday meal scheme’s implementation in schools. In light of the nation’s declining voter participation in the first two rounds of voting, BJP and Congress officials are trying to ascertain the mood of voters before the pivotal election.