Lok Sabha elections: In Bhind, anti-reservation remains a hot button issue

BHOPAL: Parliamentary constituency of Bhind , where twirl of moustache and gun shots are synonmous with machismo, is poised for an interesting battle of ballot in the backdrop of anti-reservation protests last year . One year after the dalit protest leading to the death of four persons in Bhind, the issue is still alive.

BJP MP Bhagirath Prasad who is facing an uphill task admitted "some effects" of the incidents that took place one year back. Morena mayor Ashok Argal, who shot into prominence after the cash-for vote-incident, is another contender for the ticket to replace sitting MP Bhagirath Prasad, a retired IAS officer of MP cadre who was in Congress in 2014 just before he crossed over to the BJP to win. Dominated by a presence of a sizeable number of voters from Thakur and Brahmin communities, Bhind is a reserved seat.

Nestled in ravines of Chambal, Thakurs are the most dominant community in Bhind, who along with Brahmins make a formidable vote bank with SCs and OBCs the tilting factor. Agriculture is the mainstay in region with Malanpur as the only industrial estate not able to provide a large number of jobs to locals.

As attraction for guns continue, Bhind's youth traditionally take up careers in armed forces. Employment avenues are also generated by illegal sand mining from rivers including Chambal, a local politician said. Prasad said he had ensured a large number of development works in Bhind and Datia, a neighbouring district also part of the constituency.

"I not only ensured that Bhind -Itawah rail line work is completed, the work for which was stopped for long, but it also becomes functional. I also brought Sainik school in Bhind and ensured Datia and Bhind local bodies become municipal corporations. The list is long," he said. When the BJP is yet to decide its candidate, Prasad said, "I am ready to contest." In Congress, names of former home minister Mahendra Baudh and former BSP president Phool Singh Barraiya are doing the rounds. However, a Congress leader said, "The party should look for some young face, especially some woman to win the election."

In the 2014 elections, Imarti Devi, the present women and child development minister was Congress candidate.