New Delhi, Mar 10 (IANS): It seems that BJP's decision to replace two chief ministers within a short span of four months in Uttarakhand has paid good dividends to the saffron party.
As per the Election Commission data, the ruling BJP is leading in 42 assembly constituencies while Congress is leading in 25, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in one and independents are leading in two assembly seats.
In March last year, the BJP had replaced Trivendra Singh Rawat by Tirath Singh Rawat. Four months later in July, Pushkar Singh Dhami replaced Tirath Singh Rawat as the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand. Uttarakhand BJP leader claims that when Trivendra Singh Rawat was replaced he failed to inspire cadres and could not manage state administration.
"We received feedback that contesting the election under Trivendra Singh Rawat's leadership would severely damage party chances. After proper discussion it was decided to replace him. However, his replacement Tirath Singh Rawat also failed to put the house in order. Finally, the party leadership decided to replace Tirath Singh Rawat," he said.
A party insider in the hill state further claimed that if the BJP contested the assembly polls under leadership any of the two former chief ministers, it would have faced humiliating defeat.
"Our internal assessment shows that six months ago we were not going to win more than 20 seats. The party required a face who can bring fresh blood and energy to motivate workers and the gamble of making Pushkar Singh Dhami as chief minister just six months before the polls has worked in our favour," he said.
A senior BJP functionary said that young Dhami connected well with all sections of the voters and also inspired the cadre also.
"Within six months, Dhami worked hard and took everyone together and turned the tide in Uttarakhand where power changes every five years," he said.
The saffron camp feels that apart from the decision to change chief ministers, welfare measures and infrastructure development under 'double engine' government has ensured BJP returns.