Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to kick off the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) campaign for the Lok Sabha elections in Uttarakhand on April 2. His rally in Rudrapur, a part of the Nainital-Udham Singh Nagar constituency, marks the beginning of the party's efforts in the state.
State BJP president Mahendra Bhatt expects a significant turnout, estimating that over one lakh people will attend the rally. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed enthusiasm for Modi's visit, stating that Uttarakhand eagerly anticipates the Prime Minister's presence.
Uttarakhand, scheduled to vote in the first phase on April 5, holds five Lok Sabha seats, all of which were won by the BJP in 2019. Dhami is confident of repeating the party's success with an even larger victory margin this time.
Union Minister of State for Defence and Tourism Ajay Bhatt seeks re-election from Nainital-Udham Singh Nagar, aiming to secure victory against his nearest rival, former Chief Minister Harish Rawat of the Congress.
"We are fortunate that Rudrapur, a town with significant agricultural and industrial importance, has been chosen for the launch of our campaign. We are optimistic that the BJP will secure all five seats in Uttarakhand with an increased margin of victory," Dhami remarked.
Dhami, recognized as one of the party's 40 star campaigners for the Lok Sabha polls, has been actively engaging in roadshows and public gatherings.
In a bid to leave no stone unturned, Modi's visit will be followed by BJP President JP Nadda's arrival. Nadda is scheduled to visit the state on April 3, addressing gatherings in Pithoragarh and Vikasnagar, apart from conducting a roadshow in Haridwar on April 4.
The BJP has nominated Ajay Tamta for the Almora seat, which he has held since 2014. Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah is contesting from Tehri, a constituency she has represented since a 2012 bypoll, while former Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat is vying for victory from Haridwar.