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The Bageshwar Assembly seat in Uttarakhand is set for by-polls on September 5, 2023, following the unfortunate passing of the incumbent BJP MLA. This election is crucial for both major political parties, with the BJP fielding Parvati Das as its candidate and the Congress nominating Basant Kumar. Interestingly, Basant Kumar was an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate in the same constituency in 2022 and had held the position of vice president in the AAP's state unit.

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The vacant seat

The by-poll was necessitated due to the untimely demise of Parvati Das's husband, Chandan Ram Das, who had been representing the Bageshwar constituency. Chandan Ram Das had served as the MLA for four consecutive terms since 2007 and tragically passed away on April 23 due to a sudden cardiac arrest. His passing led to the Uttarakhand state government declaring three days of official mourning.

Political significance

The outcome of this by-election holds political significance, and it is expected that the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami, may expand his council of ministers after the polls. Parvati Das, the BJP candidate, has garnered attention as the widow of Chandan Ram Das. In the 2022 election, Chandan Ram Das secured a significant victory, receiving 43.14% of the votes, while the Congress candidate, Ranjit Das, received 26.88% of the votes. Notably, Ranjit Das has since joined the BJP.

Party confidence

Chief Minister Dhami expressed confidence in the BJP's prospects, believing that Parvati Das would secure a substantial majority. He emphasized the party's strong connection with the voters in Bageshwar and anticipated a favorable outcome.

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Call for fairness

In a separate development, the BJP's state president, Mahendra Bhatt, raised concerns about bias and called for the replacement of the central observer, Rajesh Kumar, appointed for the Bageshwar Assembly by-poll. Bhatt alleged that Kumar was not impartial and requested his swift replacement by the Election Commission. As the by-poll date approaches, all eyes are on Bageshwar, where political dynamics are at play in this important electoral contest.