Dehradun: It is unusually hot in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand, this summer. Even in the upper reaches, the temperature is rising. The political temperature is also rising across the state.
Chief Minister Harish Rawat, who took charge in last January, is facing a challenge of Himalayan proportions in this Lok Sabha election. In 2009, the Congress won all 5 Lok Sabha seats in the state by decimating the ruling BJP.
This time the situation is not favourble for the Congress. It is facing a double anti-incumbency. State administration under Rawat's predecessor, Vijay Bahuguna was ineffective and turned the voters against the government. The anti-UPA mood is also worrying the Congress.
However, Harish Rawat, who is known as Congress's 'best bet' is still hoping that he can win at least 3 seats from the state.
He has fielded his wife Renuka Rawat from Haridwar, the seat held by him in the outgoing Lok Sabha. His wife is facing former chief minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank of the BJP. It is being seen as a direct fight between Harish Rawat and the BJP.
The BJP has fielded three former chief ministers from the state this time. Former chief minister and former union minister Major General BC Khanduri is contesting from Pauri-Garhwal Lok Sabha seat. He is facing Congress strongman Harak Singh Rawat. Rawat, a sitting MLA and a minister has been forced by the party to take on Khanduri, who is known for his clean image.
In Tehri-Garhwal, Saket Bahuguna, son former chief minister Vijay Bahunguna is trying his luck again. He lost the by-election from the same seat in 2012. The member of the eastwhile Garhwal royal family Mala Rajyalakshmi is BJP's sitting MP from here. She is seeking a re-election.
Neighbouring Kumaon region has two Lok Sabha seats. Almora and Nainital. Almora is Harish Rawat's native place and he is telling the voters that his post is at stake in this election.
Rawat has been extensively campaigning for his protégé and sitting MP Pradeep Tamta. Wherever he goes, Rawat tells the voters that if they want him to continue as the chief minister, they must re-elect the Congress MP. The opposition BJP is accusing him of playing an emotional card.
In Nainital, the BJP has fielded former chief minister Bhagat Singh Koshiyari. He is giving a tough fight to the Congress.
Bharatiya Janata Party's prime ministerial nominee Narendra Modi has campaigned in Uttarakhand. Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Vice President Rahul Gandhi have also campaigned for the party.
But, on the ground the Congress' best bet and chief campaigner is Harish Rawat. The BJP is banking on Narendra Modi wave and the clean image of BC Khanduri.
The voters will determine the fate of the candidates on May 7.
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