Himalaya Harbinger, Rudrapur Bureau.
In a fervent bid to challenge the status quo in the Nainital-Udham Singh Nagar Loksabha constituency, Congress candidate Prakash Joshi claims to emerge as a beacon of hope, vowing to address long-standing grievances and usher in a new era of progress. In an exclusive interview with “Himalaya Harbinger”, 53-year-old Joshi articulated his vision and strategy for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, highlighting his determination to bring about tangible improvements for the people of his constituency.
Question: What inspired your candidacy in this election?
Answer: “The incumbent BJP government has presided over a decade of escalating issues including inflation, unemployment, corruption, and misuse of central agencies, leaving our constituents disillusioned and disheartened. There’s palpable anger, particularly among the youth, towards the current administration. My candidacy represents a call for change, a commitment to address these pressing concerns, and a promise to restore accountability and integrity to public service. Moreover, the party wanted the new generation to take over at challenging seats and my committed history with the party led to my candidature”.
Question: You reiterate in your public meetings that your opponent, Ajay Bhatt, has not fully utilized his MP funds. Could you provide some specifics on this?
Answer: Certainly. Despite being allocated Rs 17 crore in MP funds, Ajay Bhatt has only utilized Rs 7 crore, leaving a significant amount of Rs 10 crore unutilized. This raises serious questions about the effective allocation and utilization of resources meant for the development and welfare of our constituency. The underutilization of such a substantial portion of funds indicates a lack of proactive efforts to address the pressing needs and concerns of our constituents. Also, there is no information on the villages which were to be adopted and turned to Atal Adarsh Gram in the constituency.
Question: How do you plan to overcome the substantial margin (over 3.5 lakh votes) by which your opponent won the previous election?
Answer: “While acknowledging the immense support garnered by my opponent in the past, it’s evident that circumstances have evolved. Uttarakhand, is a state with a rich tradition of military service and patriotism, especially considering the emotional impact of the Pulwama attack. But it has been deeply affected by the failure of the Agniveer scheme introduced by the Centre. The disillusionment among the youth, who are the backbone of our armed forces, is palpable. It’s important to note that the emotional wave following the Pulwama attack played a significant role in the previous election results. However, the subsequent disappointment with the inadequate implementation of schemes like Agniveer has shifted sentiments. By championing their cause and advocating for meaningful reforms, I believe we can bridge the gap and secure victory.”
Question: Could you elaborate on your proposed initiatives for the constituency’s development?
Answer: “My focus lies on fostering sustainable development and empowering the youth. I intend to address the issue of precarious employment by advocating for permanent appointments in both government and private sectors, ensuring equitable wages and opportunities. Additionally, initiatives such as establishing IT parks, expanding internet connectivity, and enhancing educational infrastructure aim to unleash the full potential of our youth and drive economic growth.”
Question: What specific projects do you plan to undertake if elected as MP?
Answer: “I am committed to revitalizing government institutions and healthcare facilities, leveraging MP funds to renovate hospitals and collaborate with industries for enhanced healthcare services. Furthermore, the establishment of youth centers in every block will provide essential resources and support for career development, sports, and education. My vision is to create a conducive environment where every individual can thrive and contribute to the progress of our constituency.”
Question: How do you plan to rally support without prominent party figures campaigning in Uttarakhand?
Answer: “Contrary to the BJP’s reliance on star campaigners, the Congress draws strength from its grassroots workers and supporters. Our campaign is fueled by the dedication and passion of our party members, who tirelessly work towards our shared vision of a better future. Additionally, the upcoming visit of Priyanka Gandhi as a star campaigner will undoubtedly galvanize support and bolster our efforts.”
