As the 2023 Madhya Pradesh State Assembly election approaches, the political landscape in the state is rife with complexities and challenges. While the BJP has demonstrated strong leadership at the national level and a commitment to good governance, several local issues threaten to impact its prospects in the upcoming election.

Youth Unemployment: A Ticking Time Bomb

One of the most pressing issues facing the state is youth unemployment. Madhya Pradesh boasts a talented, educated youth population, but opportunities for gainful employment are scarce, mainly concentrated in a handful of major cities like Indore, Bhopal, Jabalpur, and Gwalior. This regional disparity leaves many young people with no option but to seek employment in the unorganized sector or rely on government handouts and local politicians for favors. The youth are eager for employment opportunities, yet the absence of a forward-looking government vision and policies that primarily benefit local politicians are severely undermining the aspirations of young individuals who aspire to achieve great heights.

Corruption at Every Level

Corruption is a pervasive problem that plagues the state at every level. Government officials often exploit entrepreneurs seeking to establish small businesses by imposing arbitrary rules and demanding kickbacks. Even government programs designed to support the youth come with a price tag, as officials demand illicit payments to release funds. Not to mention my personal experience of paying police official for Passport verification renewal and character certificate. I’d like to highlight another unusual observation: While traffic police are essential in managing traffic in big cities, it’s perplexing to see village police conducting vehicle checks. In these rural areas, where residents often struggle to afford small vehicles, they’re compelled to pay bribes to avoid fines. This practice frustrates villagers more than it promotes traffic rule education, as it seems like law enforcement is primarily motivated by financial gain rather than public safety. When common citizen face these challenges daily, they make peace with themself that this is how the system works.

Stranglehold of Local Politicians

Local politicians wield significant influence, especially in rural areas, where they control key resources like factories, educational institutions, and hospitals. Unfortunately, these resources often serve their personal interests rather than the greater good. This leads to a lack of regular income for the youth and pushes them towards dependency on the government or local politicians for support.

High Cost of Living

The high cost of living is another burden that the people of Madhya Pradesh face daily. Rising prices of essential goods such as vegetables, groceries, medical services, education, and transportation make it increasingly difficult for the average citizen to make ends meet. I personally faced, Toll charges for poorly maintained roads, and without civic facilities while traveling many part of state.

Need for Political Overhaul

The current state of affairs in Madhya Pradesh suggests that the state’s political culture is deeply entrenched with power politics, lack of governance, corruption and inefficiency. A significant change is overdue, and the BJP needs to consider new leadership at the state level. After 15 years in power, it’s time for fresh ideas and approaches to address these pressing issues.
A Lesson from National Leadership and UP Model to be learned and BJP can draw inspiration from its own national leadership and the successful model implemented in Uttar Pradesh. Focusing on good governance, job creation, and reducing corruption can win the trust of the people of Madhya Pradesh.

Choosing the Right Path Forward

While the BJP faces these challenges, it’s essential for the citizens of Madhya Pradesh to carefully consider what they want for their state. Voting should not be driven by the allure of freebies but by a genuine desire for good governance, job opportunities for the youth, a corruption-free environment, and improved infrastructure.

The Alternatives: A Cautionary Note

It’s crucial to note that the alternative, the Congress party, has its own set of challenges. The dynasty-driven politics of the Gandhi family and a focus on appeasing specific religious groups may not be the ideal solution for a diverse state like Madhya Pradesh.

2023 Madhya Pradesh State Assembly election is poised to be a crucial juncture for the state’s future. The BJP not only grapples with the challenges of incumbency but also faces a critical need for visionary leadership that looks beyond and prioritizes the well-being of the citizens while addressing all issues with clarity. BJP must address the pressing issues of youth unemployment, corruption, and high cost of living to secure the trust and votes of the people. Likewise, citizens must prioritize good governance and long-term development over short-term gains. The fate of Madhya Pradesh lies in the hands of its people, and their choice will shape the state’s trajectory for years to come.

Personal Perspective: It is my strong belief that BJP is unlikely to emerge victorious in this State Assembly election, and regrettably, I see no viable alternative either.

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