FACTORS THAT MAY INFLUENCE THE VOTERS

DEMONETISATION

Demonetisation hit Himachal Pradesh’s small and medium industry since migrant labour was paid in cash. As units cut production, migrant workers headed home. Traders seeking compensation.

BJP: Demonetisation is a move against black money and fake currency.

Congress: A failed bid to track black money. The move was detrimental to economy, only inconvenienced the common man.

CPM: Move harmed the economy and the poor, particularly labourers, were worst hit.

LAW AND ORDER

The Kotkhai school girl’s gangrape and murder and killing of forest guard Hoshiyar Singh shook the hill state this year. Drug menace and tree felling are also issues. BJP: Says with CM Virbhadra Singh himself on bail in corruption case, what can be expected from state machinery? Congress: Congress cites previous crime figures in its defence. Virbhadra says, “Crime is common in society but our government has tried to contain it.”

CPM: Blames both Congress and BJP for sheltering criminals.

DEVELOPMENT INDEX

State capital expenditure not satisfactory but number of educational and health institutions went up in five years. Length of roads constructed increased.

BJP: Says number of schools, colleges, and hospitals up but staff position bad; also cites poor road condition. Congress: Blames predecessor Dhumal government for vacancies. CM said built schools in villages.

CPM: CM laid foundation stones in the name of development. Both Congress and BJP governments couldn’t implement propeople policies.

ECONOMY AND JOBS

Rising debt but government did not initiate any step to increase revenue generation. Cabinet clears jobs in government sector and skill development allowance. BJP: Congress manifesto promised unemployment allowance but people got skill development allowance. Government failed to contain wasteful expenditure and depended on market loans.

Congress: Hundreds of jobs created in government sector. Funds availed as market loans spent on infrastructure.

CPM: Both Congress and BJP caused financial mess.

FARM FOCUS

Agriculture and horticulture crop growers awaiting market policy. Despite schemes, apple growers not getting adequate price for crop.

BJP: State government deliberately blocked funds and central government schemes for farmers.

Congress: Prime Minister promised to enhance import duty on apple to safeguard interest of domestic growers but is now asking states to share burden of expenses on doubling farmer income.

CPM: Farmer issues are not a priority for either the Congress or the BJP government.