This year, on May 13th, when Kanpur votes in the 2024 Lok Sabha election, Kanpuriites are looking forward to a parliamentarian who will not only be a leader but would have the ability of taking India’s Manchester back to its days of glory. “Manchester of the East ’’.
When I went to Kanpur to take pulse of voters development (a majority) was pointed as main issue by majority while others appreciated construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya, improved law and order situation in UP and PM Narendra Modi- CM Yoga Factor.
“Sabne kanpur ko apne haal pe chod diya” rebuked Badri Prasad, a local tea vendor near Kanpur’s iconic Lal Imli; “Lal Imlay is one of the oldest colonial era wool mills”. Governments have come and gone without changing this dire situation”, he said. In addition to the Lal Imlay factory over dozen factories including Elgin, Jute and Muir have closed in past 50 years affecting workers’ livelihoods.
According to Prasad his father and grandfather were employed at that plant during British rule which is also known for being at center stage between Indians and Britons war in fight for first independence. However, on account of failure to adapt well with changing global realities and lack political interest that characterized their system they finally succumbed leaving more than five thousand lay off workers behind. Apart from Lal Imlay more than a dozen factories including Elgin ,Jute and Muir have closed down since last fifty years thus affecting workers’ livelihoods Prasad said.
Nowadays people say that factory is history but poor urban development remains one of significant issues during polls. “Industries may not be an electoral subject matter du jour today but underdevelopment in erstwhile East Manchester was seriously considered.” Besides metros as well as other superficial changes under smart city scheme there has been no change in Kanpur in the last two decades. “And I think that the only reason why people of Kanpur do not need a Congressman but a leader who can promote infrastructural development and restore our lost glory,” he added.
One of the most famous educational institutions in Kanpur is located only one kilometer away from Lal Imli, PPN College. Students here say they want jobs so much that their votes will go to parties which are known to create jobs for young people. “I think the only important issue for young people is employment,” said student Sudhanshu Shukla.
One more student opined that although Kanpur is next to Lucknow, which is only 100 kilometers away, it is still far from being developed as its second largest district in UP. “Traffic congestion is a big problem. We have to leave home early to reach college on time”. However, there have been no steps taken so far towards easing city transport system.
As inflation comes on top of everything, many people commend Yogi Adityanath’s zero tolerance policy against crimes.
Inflation was cited as another major problem. Madhu Garg, a housewife, said that “vegetables, mustard oil and other food items have become so expensive that buying foodstuffs has become unaffordable for the common man”.
“From cosmetics to daily-use household items to vegetables, even the prices are exorbitant,” she argued. “The government should look at stopping inflation.”
On the other hand, locals consider inflation a very important concern; however they appreciate Yogi Adityanath’s no-nonsense approach to security and crime.
According to Sudha Mishra, a resident of Civil Lines area: “I think UP law and order has now been simplified. We can go out without fear late in the night now. The Yogi Government has done an excellent job Great.
State securities were also praised by traders. They said: “We are safe under this government.” It should be noted that compared with past governments crimes against businessmen have decreased.
For voters though, it was about more than a temple being built in Rama’s honor; it was an opportunity to stand up and salute an unprecedented move by a BJP-led administration described as ‘cowardice’ by some Nigerians who had seen its predecessors dilly-dallying.
Kanpur assembly seat
Such constituencies as Govind Nagar, West Samau, Ariya Nagar, Kidwai Nagar and Kanpur Cantt comprise Kanpur Assembly constituency which is politically valuable in Uttar Pradesh.
There are 2,226317 people living in the area according to 2011 census data; 11.72% represents scheduled castes while scheduled tribes make only 0.12%. There is also considerable electorate from groups such as Brahmin,Vaishya,Muslim,Punjabi etc
Moreover,in the last election,similar emotions were conveyed when the Bharatiya Janata Party came fourth but still managed 265030 votes within the same constituency..
Congress MP Prakash Jaiswal has represented Kanpur for 10 years now, winning his seat in a bye-election and 2009 elections with huge majorities
There is no denying that Narendra Modi is such a charismatic leader who can persuade electorates through his speeches.
