Whether the BJP can retain all 26 seats in Gujarat, PM Modi’s charisma is the key factor

In the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP won all 26 seats.

Ahmedabad:

Political observers say Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s charisma is one of the key factors most likely to influence the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Gujarat.

The Gujarat Lok Sabha polls will be held in a phased manner on May 7. Counting will take place on June 4.

Anti-incumbency, unemployment, inflation, education and healthcare facilities are some of the other important issues in the election, where the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in Gujarat will try to retain all 26 Lok Sabha seats it won in 2019.

Gujarat is one of the states that plays a key role in deciding the outcome of the Lok Sabha elections.

In the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP won all 26 seats in the state.

Here are some of the issues that will play a decisive role in the Gujarat elections: The charisma of Prime Minister Narendra Modi: The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has a trump card in the form of the Prime Minister, who hails from Gujarat and served as Prime Minister from 2001 to 2014 Chief Minister of the state. Occupy the highest office in the country. His influence on his hometown followers remains intact.

Anti-incumbency: Observers believe the opposition will try to capitalize on any anti-incumbency sentiment that emerged during the past decade of BJP rule at the Centre. They argue that “floating voters” who do not vote based on ideology may be influenced by the opposition if it offers appropriate alternatives.

Inflation: Low- and middle-income households are hardest hit by inflation. So, given how rising prices have affected people’s lives over the past decade, this will be a deciding factor. The opposition has been constantly targeting the Modi government on this issue.

Unemployment: This is another argument used by the opposition to attack centrists. Since this issue directly affects the lives of ordinary people, voters will attach great importance to this issue when exercising their right to vote.

Lack of basic education and health facilities in remote areas: If school classrooms are built in remote rural areas, there will be a shortage of teachers. Lack of primary health centers and doctors also adversely affects health services in rural areas.

Farmer issues: Observers say issues such as lack of adequate compensation for crop losses due to excessive rains, lack of access to fertilizers and land acquisition for project development will also play an important role in shaping voter sentiment.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)