Focus shifts from ‘vikas’ to Modi versus opposition

JABALPUR: The first phase of polling in Madhya Pradesh will decide the fate of heavyweights in Mahakaushal region from both Congress and BJP where the poll plank has drifted from `development' to the image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi versus opposition.
If the Prime Minister is to be believed then after the third phase of polling held across the country, involving more than 50% voters, the BJP seem to have gained a clear mandate.In the battle between `Namdaar' and `Kaamdar', main issues related to the development of Mahakaushal region, problems of tribals, health and education problems went unaddressed by either parties.
While Prime Minister Modi used corruption by Naamdar, the opposition attacked him with the jibe against Chowkidar. But, this time a confident PM retaliated citing actions on corruption with the slogan `Chowkidar Chaukanna Hai (guard is alert)". BJP supporters joined the chorus chanting Modi, Modi, Modi.
Modi also sufficed his observation citing the crowd participating at the public meeting during sizzling hot day, with mercury shooting up at 43 degree Celsius. Modi said people give him strength and as the number increases he could make out how the wave is taking a favourable turn.
"On my right side, I could see people joining the gathering and the crowd continued to pour in from outside. It is not me who has changed the scene, silences the opponents but, the power of voters, their mandate, which gives me the strength", said Modi.
In Mahakaushal region, BJP state president Rakesh Singh said, "whatever development you see today is because of the BJP. Otherwise, Jabalpur was just a big village". He also highlighted on a few decisions taken during the saffron regime in the state for the development of Dumna airport and other areas and concluded by saying, "PM Modi is synonymous to development. Opposition parties know well about their fate.”
Even Leader of Opposition (LOP) in MP Vidhan Sabha Gopal Bhargava said, "Modi's has emerged stronger and it is a contest between Modi and the rest.”
In Mahakaudhal region, BJP candidates from the three Lok Sabha seats in the region namely Jabalpur, Mandla and Khajuraho are facing tough challenge from their Congress rivals. In Khajuraho, Vishnu Dutt Sharma is not only facing dissidents but, the clout of Congress opponent Kavita Singh, being a local active representative. In Mandla, former Union minister Faggan Singh Kulaste, with a tag of non-performer is being challenged by Congress candidate Kamal Maravi, a tribal leader. While, in Jabalpur, Congress heavyweight Vivek Tankha has more works to display than BJP's Rakesh Singh.
But, the BJP seem to have gained confidence after PM Modi's poll rally.
"There is a clear message among voters that tall claims and fake assurances would never help gain public sympathy. People are aware and those who have been talking high, are exposed," said Congress state spokesperson Narendra Saluja.