Ground Report | Amethi: Dynasty’s development deficit Vs challenger’s path of progress

Amethi, the Lok Sabha constituency historically dominated by the Gandhi family since its formation in 1967, witnessed a significant political shift in 2019 when Smriti Irani secured victory over Congress scion Rahul Gandhi by a margin exceeding 50,000 votes.

A year before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, in 2018, the Organiser team visited Amethi to assess this high-profile constituency’s condition. What they uncovered was startling. Despite decades of Gandhi family’s rule, Amethi languished in a state of underdevelopment. Basic amenities were lacking, and it was evident that the constituency had been neglected by its political representatives. Disillusioned with the status quo and galvanised by Irani’s persistent efforts despite her prior defeat in 2014, the electorate of Amethi opted for a change in 2019.

With the constituency all set to poll on May 20, the Organiser team revisited Amethi to ascertain whether the promised transformation had indeed materialised under the tenure of Smriti Irani, the current MP and also Minister in Narendra Modi Cabinet. Notably, Rahul Gandhi chose not to contest from Amethi this time, opting instead for Raebareli, a decision that was met with speculation within political circles and ultimately proved true. The political pundits claimed that Rahul Gandhi, unsettled by Smriti Irani’s previous electoral victory, deemed it necessary to contest the election in the secure inheritance of Raebareli instead of Amethi.

Later, in a surprising move on May 3, Congress announced Kishori Lal Sharma as its candidate for  Amethi, marking the first time in over two decades that a non-Gandhi family member would represent the party in this constituency.

The Evident Changes

Developmental strides under Irani’s leadership became noticeable during the Organiser team’s visit. Infrastructure improvements such as widened roads and flyovers were evident, marking a departure from the neglect witnessed in previous years. After reaching the hotel, the Organiser team put in its luggage and left for the ground visit. Here, it is important to mention that there were no hotels in Amethi before 2019; it shows one of the changing landscapes of the constituency. While visiting the constituency, the Organiser team noticed multiple new structures, one of them was a unique hospital.

The newly built Shaiyya Ekikrit Ayush Hospital in Amethi’s Benipur offers holistic healthcare services encompassing Ayurveda, Unani, and Homeopathy. A local informed that it was inaugurated around two and a half years ago.

The team approached Ashish Pandey, a Government official at the newly constructed Shaiyya Ayush Hospital, to get an insight. Pandey shared with Organiser that the hospital caters to approximately 200 patients’ daily, providing treatments for Ayurveda, Unani, and Homeopathy. He highlighted a renewed interest in Ayurveda post-COVID–19, noting a resurgence in its popularity. Panchkarma stands out as a key offering, contributing to the growing trust in the hospital. Pandey emphasised that there are few such hospitals across Uttar Pradesh.

Furthermore, Pandey mentioned the previous inconvenience for residents of Amethi, who had to travel to Lucknow for Panchkarma treatment. Now, with this Hospital operational, such services are accessible locally and free of cost.

Ramprasad Kashyap, a resident of Thaura village and a patient at the hospital, expressed gratitude to his MP Smriti Irani for building the hospital in Amethi and for the affordability of receiving treatment for his knee problem. He highlighted the nominal fee of Rs 1 for treatment and the provision of free medicines, appreciating the positive impact of having such a hospital in the constituency.

Welfare schemes, a game changer

The rise of the BJP under Narendra Modi’s leadership as a dominant political force is often attributed to welfare schemes such as free rations, gas cylinders, and direct cash transfers to farmers. Prime Minister Modi consistently highlights these schemes in his interviews and public addresses. Similarly, Smriti Irani, the Amethi MP, echoes similar sentiments in her interviews and election speeches, emphasising the benefits received by lakhs of people through Central Government welfare initiatives.

As per Smriti Irani’s team, in the span of five years under her leadership, remarkable progress was achieved: 1.14 lakh houses were constructed under the PM Awas Yojna, over 7 lakh Ayushman cards were issued, more than 3.5 lakh houses got water connection under Jal Jeevan Mission, over 1.45 lakh individuals benefited from the Mudra Yojna, and over 2.6 lakh elderly citizens benefited from the Atal Pension Yojna.

From 2004 to 2014, Rahul Gandhi has not raised a single issue relating to Amethi in any question or debate in Parliament. This shows his lack of knowledge about Amethi. Under the rule of 50 years of Gandhi family, 62 per cent households of Amethi had no electricity connection, 83.8 per cent households had no toilets, 80 per cent households had no tap water connection, Over 10 Lakh people had no bank account and over 2 Lakh women had no access to cooking gas cylinders.

The Organiser attempted to investigate tall claims of Smriti Irani’s work and ventured into Matera village within the Amethi constituency. Upon entering the village, the correspondents encountered Virendra Kumar, a 45-year-old belonging to the Koiri community.

Kumar told the Organiser, paanch saal me khoob kaam hua hai Amethi me (In the past five years, Amethi has witnessed significant development”. “Amethi previously lacked proper streets, the area now boasts improved infrastructure with the construction of roads and overbridges”. Kumar proudly stated that he is among the many beneficiaries of various Central Government schemes, including receiving Rs 1.20 lakh under the PM Awas Yojna, a gas connection under the Ujjawala Yojana, and Rs 12,000 for a Sauchalaya.

Another villager, aged 70, Shanti Devi mentioned receiving a pension from the Modi Government and highlighted her family’s utilisation of other welfare schemes. However, she criticised the Government’s inefficiency in controlling inflation, expressing the need for measures to address rising prices. Dev Saran echoed similar concerns regarding inflation.

Another resident, Surendra Kumar, a 63-year-old tea seller, criticised the Gandhi family’s rule in Amethi, citing lack of development. He expressed confidence that Irani’s will emerge victorious due to Modi’s beneficial policies, which have positively impacted locals.

The Organiser spoke to numerous voters and discovered that many people from various castes and communities are benefiting from social welfare schemes.

Neelam, a resident of Matera village, praises PM Modi and intends to vote for him, citing the provision of essential amenities such as free ration, gas, and toilet. She also mentioned receiving a house under the PM Awas Yojna, “Modi ne humko colony dia hai”.

In Amethi, the houses constructed under the PM Awas Yojna are commonly referred to as colony.

In addition to the welfare schemes, people are also pleased with the making of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and giving credit to Modi Government to end the 500 years long wait. Nanhe Lal, a daily wage labour from Teli community praised Modi Government move of performing grand and historical Pran Pratishtha in Ayodhya, “Modi ji ne varsho ke intezaar ko khatam kar diya aur itna bhavya Pran Pratishtha kiya ki log sadiyon tak yaad rakhenge (Modi ji put an end to years of waiting and conducted such a grand Pran Pratishtha that people will remember for centuries.”

Abdul Razzak from Pasauli village praised the Modi Government for maintaining law and order and highlighted his personal benefits from schemes like Kisan Nidhi and Ayushman Yojana. However, he mentioned facing hurdles in accessing housing under the PM Awas Yojana due to rejections by the Village Pradhan, Dharmendra Yadav, affiliated with the Samajwadi Party.

When asked about the general perception that Muslims do not vote for BJP and Modi, Abdul emphasised his support for Modi’s inclusive governance, stating, “jisko Modi ko vote nahi dena hai wo nahi de, hum to denge. Modi ji ne Hindu-Muslim dekhkar nahi dia. Unhone sabke lie kia hai (Modi has worked for the welfare of all citizens without discrimination based on religion).”

BJP’s popularity among the poor remains intact. The free ration scheme can prove to be a game changer for the party. Also, Smriti Irani’s regular presence in the constituency goes in the party’s favour, because the local people feel connected to her.

Smriti Irani VS Gandhi Family Loyalist

The last time Congress fielded a non-Gandhi family member from Amethi was in 1998 when the grand old party chose veteran leader Captain Satish Sharma from this seat. Now, for the first time in a quarter of the century, Congress once again decided to field Kishori Lal Sharma, a long-time loyalist of the Gandhi family to fight against Smriti Irani. Sharma, originally from Ludhiana, Punjab, has been associated with the Congress since 1983, starting his political journey alongside Rajiv Gandhi.

Despite the Gandhi family’s prolonged absence from Amethi and Rahul Gandhi’s decision not to contest from the constituency, there still exists a sympathetic sentiment towards the Gandhis among the local populace.

A local said about KL Sharma’s candidacy, “He has been coming to this area on behalf of the family since Rajiv Gandhi’s era. Initially, Rahul also worked with him, but after 2009, Rahul handed over the responsibility of Amethi to other close aides.”

Ram Milan Tiwari, aged 63 from Jagdishpur that falls under Amethi Lok sabha constituency, believes that Smriti Irani will face a tough challenge against KL Sharma, similar to her victory over Rahul Gandhi in 2019. Tiwari expresses confidence in Sharma and said, “He knows Amethi like the back of his hand.”

Jaiprakash Pathak, a 50-year-old teacher from Matera village, stated that he will vote for Congress, citing his allegiance with the party since the era of Indira Gandhi. He regrets Rahul Gandhi’s absence from the fray, noting that his candidacy would have added intrigue to the election. Pathak also said, “The election is not going to be a cake walk for Irani”.

Apart from welfare schemes, people are also pleased with the making of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya

On the contrary, Amarnath Singh, aged 64 from Bohrapur village, believes that if Smriti Irani could defeat Rahul Gandhi, she stands a chance against Sharma as well. Singh indicates dissatisfaction among some Congress voters regarding Rahul’s departure from Amethi and the party’s decision to field Sharma.

He also highlighted Congress’s lack of seriousness toward Amethi, saying, “On May 3, when KL Sharma filed his nomination papers, no members from the Gandhi family or even State Congress President were present with him. This shows Sharma’s lack of prestige in the family party.”

After learning that Amarnath Singh belongs to the Rajput community, the Organiser questioned the perception of Rajputs’ discontent with the BJP due to Gujarat BJP leader Purushottam Rupala’s controversial statement; Singh assured that Rajputs remain loyal to the BJP. He clarified that Rupala has apologised for his statement, and most Rajput voters in his village will vote for the BJP.

Another Rajput, Arvind Singh, from the same village, expresses satisfaction with Yogi Adityanath’s governance, particularly noting improvements in the law and order situation across the state. Regarding KL Sharma’s candidacy, he predicts overwhelming support for Smriti Irani due to her transformative impact on Amethi.

As election fervour grips Amethi again, the contest between Smriti Irani and Kishori Lal Sharma promises to be closely contested. While some constituents persist in their loyalty to the Gandhi family, there is a palpable shift toward acknowledging Irani’s efforts in transforming the constituency.

Amethi’s electorate finds itself at a critical juncture, torn between the promise of continuity and the allure of change. As voters weigh their options, the outcome of the upcoming polls will shape the trajectory of Amethi’s political landscape, determining whether it continues on the path of progress or reverts to familiar allegiances.