Uttarakhand Lok Sabha election 2024: BJP – Past performance, key issues, challenges and more

BJP in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand was carved out of the state of Uttar Pradesh in the year 2000, following a prolonged struggle for statehood.

Since its inception, Uttarakhand has oscillated between administrations led by the BJP and Congress, experiencing bouts of political flux and leadership transitions. The state has had 11 chief ministers so far, eight from the BJP and three from the Congress. Other political parties of note include the Uttarakhand Kranti Dal (UKD) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).

In March 2016, the Uttarakhand Assembly witnessed a political upheaval when nine rebel Congress MLAs sided with the opposition BJP, leading to the imposition of President's Rule in the state. However, the Supreme Court intervened and ordered a floor test, which resulted in the restoration of the Congress government led by Chief Minister Harish Rawat.

Although the state has seen alternating governments between the Congress and the BJP, in recent years the BJP has been the dominant party in this hilly state. In the 2017 Assembly elections, the BJP won a decisive victory, securing a comfortable majority in the Legislative Assembly.

In March 2021, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat resigned from his post amid speculation of discontent within the BJP ranks over his style of governance and handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. This resignation sparked a leadership crisis in the state BJP, leading to the appointment of Tirath Singh Rawat as Chief Minister.

However, Tirath Singh Rawat's tenure was short-lived, and Pushkar Singh Dhami took over as Chief Minister in July 2021, and still reins. In 2022, the saffron party did not just repeat victory, it crossed the three-fourth majority mark in the state assembly.

Uttarakhand faces various challenges including environmental conservation, sustainable development in hilly terrains, migration, and unemployment.

Uttarakhand's political dynamics are influenced by its diverse regions, including the Garhwal and Kumaon divisions, each with its own socio-cultural identities and priorities.

Regional parties like the UKD often play a significant role in articulating local concerns and aspirations.