Modi hype worries veterans

The hype being created by the BJP over the achievements of Modi government’s achievement in the party’s campaign in Uttar Pradesh has now started worrying the veterans in the party.

The seniors in the party, most of whom have been relegated to the wings, feel that the hype over the Modi government’s schemes could boomerang since people in Uttar Pradesh are yet to enjoy the benefits of the schemes.

“Our leaders keep talking of the achievements of the Modi government without realising that Uttar Pradesh is yet to taste the benefits of these schemes. For instance, in Bundelkhand, the state government has successfully blamed the Centre for inadequate relief to drought- hit regions. The delay in cleaning the Ganga has also been blamed on the centre. Some of our top leaders are obviously unaware of the ground realities”, said a former state BJP president.

The old timers in the party feel that the middle class — once a staunch BJP loyalist — is moving away from the party because it has failed to get relief in income tax slabs and is further burdened by rising prices.

“Our leaders have been ignoring this class of voters that remains silent but emerges as a potent force in elections,” said a senior leader. Another former MP said that the anti- incumbency factor was also growing against the BJP MPs who, despite instructions from the party high command, do not involve themselves in issues related to their constituencies.

“We are always talking about the poor law and order situation in the state but how many of our MPs have led protests against incidents of crime”, he said.